We produce somewhere between 80 to 150 billion items of clothing a year. It’s been speculated that there are enough garments in circulation right now to clothe the next six generations. The excessive accumulation of garments is a worrying issue – our landfills and wardrobes don’t need that much new stuff.
The second-hand fashion market is an antidote to this. By using and reusing garments already produced, we’re reducing the demand for brand new pieces. And sustainability aside, second-hand and vintage clothes hold a certain je ne sais quoi. Whether it’s because of their well-made construction, considered fabrication or style, preloved fashion has a way of pulling you in. Below, some of Australia’s top stylists share where they go to shop second-hand.
Abby Bennett, Melbourne stylist and creative consultant
“My Sydney go-to is Route 66 for great vintage tees and denim, plus very cool retro items. It’s the kind of place you can’t walk out of without buying something! [I go to] Storeroom Vintage for ’90s and ’00s gems, and Blue Spinach for luxury vintage pieces like old Chanel and Prada.”
Elliot Garnaut, Melbourne stylist and commentator
“I have always been loyal to Global Vintage Collective on Church Street in Richmond. Ash, the founder, is an original California local and regularly goes back for buying trips. She has the most phenomenal selection of vintage Western, denim and band tees.”
Lauren Dilena, Adelaide stylist
“Adelaide has an abundance of amazing vintage and preloved stores. My picks [include] Filter Store, Midwest Trader, Marilyn’s Depot Vente [and] Goodbyes. My all-time favourite would be Better Together – [it’s] known for [its] preloved designer items, but you can also pick up some fab mainstream finds for great prices.”
Jenna Flood, Melbourne slow fashion stylist
“I do love early ’90s and ’00s pieces from Australian brands before manufacturing moved offshore; think vintage Country Road. I love the simplistic cuts and strong use of natural fibres.
I recently discovered PDA Shop in Collingwood. [It’s] such a beautiful spot full of eye-catching pieces. I also love Un Pantalon in Newcastle. I picked up my current favourite pants there a few months ago.”
Stuart Walford, Melbourne stylist and creative producer
“Dot Comme in Melbourne for archival Comme des Garcons, Issey Miyake and Yohji Yamamoto. Reina is also a must-visit if you are into Prada, Miu Miu, Gucci and Marni. [The founder] Romy sources amazing pieces and the store is well curated.
Shag is great for more costume-based items, jewellery and accessories. They have a small store on Smith Street, Collingwood, but the Chapel Street store is more extensive.
[Trasho] Mondo Vintage, also on Smith Street, is great for Y2K pieces. Liberty’s Heart next door is also worth stopping by. Rose Chong, albeit a costume shop, is great for vintage hats of all decades. Only for hire though.”
Kerrie Carucci, Brisbane stylist
“Bad Days Vintage and Vinyl in Palm Beach is perfect for western tees and boots. In Brisbane, Y3K Store and Retro Metro Paddington are havens for Y2K and retro fashion lovers. Brik Market Vintage and Memory Lane Vintage Store offer incredible statement finds, while [Empire Revival] and Camp Hill Antique Centre are treasure troves of timeless fashion and collectibles.”
Jade Leung, Melbourne stylist
“I’ve recently become quite obsessed with Leonard Joel Auctions. They have online auctions across a huge variety of categories from furniture and luxury bags, to precious gems and artwork.”
Kat Rose, Sydney stylist
“Lately I’ve been frequenting the new Savers in Surry Hills, as well as French Fripe, which is a vintage clothing wholesaler open to the public located in Marrickville. Reunion is another special place that has a consistent and high-quality range, with some designer items too. I also frequent the vintage selection from So Familia, a family- and women-owned business in Newtown.”
Sonali Fernando, Perth stylist
“My forever go-to is The Upcycling Mutzs and Ginger Pudding Vintage [collaborative store] in Fremantle. They are family-owned and generational vintage enthusiasts, which is reflected in their stock of truly unique, fun and deadstock pieces.
In the city, the girls from Second Life Market have opened a store offering consignment, as well as various upcycled, streetwear and Y2K items. Finally, Western Australia also has its very own op shop chain, Good Sammy, which [has] an admirable mission to create employment opportunities for people with disability.”
Fleur Egan, Sydney stylist
“If you know what you’re looking for, I think Etsy is an amazing place for sourcing incredible vintage from overseas. Also, Sweet Disorder Vintage and Cara Mia Vintage [are favourites].”
Holly Karas, Melbourne stylist
“For vintage I would go to Opera in Carlton North. Or if I am looking for something really specific, then eBay is a great tool!”
Charlotte Kindl, Sydney stylist
“My all-time favourite Sydney-based vintage has to be Kiko Vintage. I have sourced a mini wardrobe of Moschino, Betsey Johnson and Comme des Garcons pieces, and find the beautiful owner Ari has the most splendid eye.”
Karinda Mutabazi, Melbourne stylist and creative director
“Shag for theatrical pieces, Martin Fella for bags and accessories, Lost and Found and Retropolis for multi-vendor offerings.”
This article was updated to include new responses.
For more shopping advice from some of Australia’s top stylists, read the rest of our Where Stylists Shop series.
