Feeling bored of your wardrobe in Singapore? A retro revival could be the key to shaking up your usual style. We’ve scoured the island for stores that fashion hounds flock to for vintage outfits that haven’t lost any flair.
Vintage Empire
If you’ve ever wanted to feel like one of the greats of literature, then head to Vintage Empire. You won’t not find any vintage outfits that Ernest Hemingway or Shirley Jackson might have worn, but what you will find are… typewriters. That’s right, this is the first typewriter retail and repair shop in Singapore, with a multitude of different typewriters available to snatch up so you can re-enact your dream of writing your own novel the old-fashioned way!
1 Brooke Road, #01-10 Katong Plaza | 9107 7405
Roxy Records and Trading
Whether you’re looking for the albums of your youth, or wanting to hop onto the new era of the vinyl trend, Roxy Records and Trading is the place to go. From well-known international bands and artists to Singaporean indie groups releasing their first EPs and demos, this is a treat for any musicians or music lovers who want to enjoy a unique shopping experience in Singapore.
Excelsior Shopping Centre, 5 Coleman Street, #02-15
Baju Mama Vintage
With a range of vintage items on offer, from jewellery to bags to dresses, covering every decade from the 50s to the 90s, Baju Mama Vintage is something a bit different for the vintage clothing scene in Singapore, as it’s an online store rather than a bricks-and-mortar location.
Retrogate
On the slightly more expensive end of the vintage spectrum, Retro Gate offers sneakers and streetwear apparel (think 90s MTV and American sports team shirts), as well as offering sneaker cleaning services. With far more options available in the physical store as opposed to online, this is a must for any fans of streetwear or brands like Adidas and Nike. (Closed Wednesdays.)
Golden Mile Complex, 5001 Beach Road, #04-16
Deja Vu Vintage
#01-70 Millenia Walk, 9 Raffles Boulevard | 6338 8013
What you’ll find: The cheery, brightly lit store stocks an eclectic selection of clothes, jewellery, handbags and knick-knacks, with new finds brought in every week.
Hidden gem: We love the stunning range of vintage evening gowns, wedding dresses and cocktail dresses from the 40s to the 70s. Keep your eyes peeled for pieces from renowned designers like Carolina Herrera and Dior.
Dustbunny Vintage
2A Keong Siak| 6274 4200
What you’ll find: Established in 2004, this boutique has an array of accessories and clothes from the 40s through to the 80s. It also has an extensive selection of bags, from timelss, elegant totes to whimsical clutches, and everything in between.
The hidden gem: Besides lovely handbags, shoppers can find retro shoes and designer heels from Ferragamo and Bally, just to name a few.
Other treasure hunting spots:
Flea & Easy
When party-goers aren’t working the dance floor on Friday and Saturday nights at popular nightclub Zouk, they chill out and shop at the club’s quarterly Sunday flea markets. Expect quirky finds and bargains as low as $5 for pre-loved vintage and branded goods. There’s something for every taste, because Zouk’s well curated range of vendors sell items that appeal to the masses as well as the trendsetters. Grab a tipple from the bar, or a light bite from the handful of food stands signed up, and bop to the DJs’ hoppin’ tunes while you shop.
Visit zoukclub.com for more details.
Public Garden
Held twice a month, either at the National Museum of Singapore or Old Hill Street Police Station, the bazaar plays host to stalls selling vintage threads and accessories, handcrafted trinkets and toiletries, and plenty of lovingly baked sweet treats. Whether you walk away with a prized find or not, the artsy, DIY vibe here makes each visit worthwhile.
Visit public-garden.com for more details.
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