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. (Psst…! Looking for secondhand furniture stores? Head here. )
AUTHENTIC DESIGNER VINTAGE
The Attic Lifestyle Store
#04-146A Far East Plaza, 14 Scotts Road | 6732 3459
What you’ll find: The cosy Attic is crammed with authentic vintage clothes, jewellery, luggage bags and home décor by big name designers. Founded by avid antique collector Yap Cheng Yan in 2002, The Attic also lets you rent costumes and props for wedding shoots, corporate dinner events and private parties.
The hidden gem: Vintage magpies will love sifting through the jewellery collection. With luck, you’ll nab a pair of Chanel earrings (or two).
ANTIQUE EVENING DRESSES
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.
QUIRKY DAY & EVENING HANDBAGS
Dustbunny Vintage
#01-203, 112 Bukit Permei Road | 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.
STATEMENT SCARVES
Granny’s Day Out
#03-25 Peninsula Shopping Centre, 3 Coleman Street | 6336 9774
What you’ll find: Opened in 2004 by vintage fashion maven Loh Hsiao Ying, who handpicks pieces from around the world with her business partner Kyra, the boutique has become a one-stop haven for both stylists and serial shoppers alike. Touting funky clothes, shoes and accessories from the 20s to the 80s, you’ll be sure to find a colourful, quirky addition to your closet here. Go on and take your time playing dress-up – the owners and salesgirls are more than happy to share styling tips and snap a photo of your favourite look.
The hidden gem: Their collection of luxuriously soft silk scarves, with kooky prints galore, will add a dash of attention-grabbing colour to any outfit.
FANCIFUL HATS
Nostalgia Queen
#01-75 Sunshine Plaza, 91 Bencoolen Street | 6336 7559
What you’ll find: A treasure trove of vintage clothes, shoes, bags, and jewellery from as far back as the 60s. Most of the items here are on the wallet-friendly side and handpicked from London and Paris. Designer garb from Yves Saint Laurent and Versace has been known to turn up on the racks.
The hidden gem: Aside from amazing bags and trinkets, they also have a variety of fancy hats and headbands that will come in handy for dressier occasions, or whenever you want a bit of drama.
SAVE IN STYLE
Grammah
66 Haji Lane | 6299 0384
What you’ll find: The vintage offshoot of edgy Haji Lane boutique Modparade, which is just next door, this two-storey shophouse is stuffed with retro clothes, bags, accessories at affordable prices – most pieces are under $50. We love the girly frocks and baroque-style shirts in dizzying prints.
The hidden gem: Aside from fashionable finds, a quaint room in the back of the store peddles bits and bobs of childhood nostalgia, including Polly Pocket sets, troll dolls, wooden pencil cases and hard-to-find sweets.
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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