When it comes to vintage clothing, London is bustling with options galore. And within that, East London has several independent shops, spreading the love for thrifted treasures. Our Vintage blogger, Elly, shares 8 stores you need to check out.
If you’re new to vintage shopping, Brick Lane in East London is a great place to start. As well as a large well-stocked branch of vintage chain Rokit on Brick Lane itself, there is also the warehouse-like original branch of Beyond Retro on nearby Cheshire Street. While these two are the most well-known of the lot, there are other shops as well in the market where you are likely to find something that suits your vintage style.
If you walk towards the southern end of Brick Lane from Spitalfields Market, you’ll pass Absolute Vintage on Hanbury Street, and you can pop into Atika (also on Hanbury Street, just across Brick Lane) before following the road itself north, passing the market, then Rokit on your left. You’ll find a cluster of vintage shops around the junction of Brick Lane and Cheshire Street, and plenty more shops if you turn right off Brick Lane and follow Cheshire Street. Save some energy for Beyond Retro near the end of the road.
Clearly, vintage shopping in East London and walking make for great companions. Here is a low-down on what to find in these places You can click on the Vintage Map here to view all the vintage store locations and opening times quickly and easily. 1. Brick Lane Vintage Market
The market runs every Thursday to Sunday in a section of the old Truman Brewery building, and is a treasure trove of every kind of vintage clothing. From dainty antique lace dresses to customised leather jackets, there’s a stall here catering to every taste.
This beautifully curated shop stocks menswear and ladieswear from the 1920s to the 1970s, with particular emphasis on the 40s, 50s and 60s. The clothing is in good condition and well cared for, making it a great place to look for something for a special occasion.
Anyone searching for unusual vintage menswear should make this store their first stop. Levisons stock a high-quality range of smart and casual wear, with an emphasis on rare and collectible pieces.
The vibe here is very much boho Americana: think distressed logo tees, floaty print dresses, plenty of denim and fringing. Their Cheshire Street store showcases well-curated stock, with a good selection of men’s and ladieswear.
Formerly Blitz Vintage, this cavernous lifestyle store has a huge selection of vintage and retro clothing, from the 70s to the 00s. It’s a great place to shop for denim or sportswear, as well as novelty knitwear or sparkly party gear.
This Cheshire Street store is a real gem if you love the thrill of the chase when it comes to vintage shopping. There are bargain rails in the basement where you could find a new favourite outfit for £10, and plenty of 70s and 80s streetwear.
If you love the OTT aesthetic of the 80s and 90s designer fashion, then Serotonin is for you! Find vintage pieces bedecked with logos, dazzling prints and the more-is-more signature style of labels like Moschino and D&G.
Here After’s shop on Brick Lane manages to look both eclectic and well-curated at the same time, stocking a range of wild-but-wearable prints, well-loved denim and cosy knitwear.
These are my favourite vintage shops in East London and you can find them plotted alongside other stores, located across the city on the Ethical Brand Directory London Vintage store map.
Elly
Elly Platt is an ethical fashion blogger on a mission to encourage everyone to love the clothes they own, and make thoughtful purchases that are good for people and the planet. As well as up-cycling and refashioning her existing wardrobe, Elly is always on the lookout for vintage treasures and sustainable fashion innovation. You can follow her on twitter @takeitupwearit