A Guide to London's Best Vintage Clothing Shops

Most people know London boasts great shopping, but fewer are aware of the city's wide range of vintage clothing. My favorites are still Beyond Retro and Absolute Vintage, but last year - during my four months stay in the British capital - I found many other shops worth a visit.

Virginia

After Holland Park Station at 98 Portland Road you find a shop probably created by an artist. Expensive, but stunning vintage clothing.

Palette London

Located on 21 Canonbury Lane in hip Islingtaon near Upper Street, this special boutique offers selected pristine vintage clothing from designers as Pucci(60-70s), Marimekko(60-70s), Missoni(70s) and Chanel(80-90s). The friendly staff has a great sense of style. They specialize in modern vintage and have a large collection of 1980s pieces from Moshino, the punk label Betsey Johnson and Commes Des Garcons.

One of a Kind

The two welcoming owners set up this shop on 253 Portobello Road, near Ladbroke Grove Station, about ten years ago. Here you will see pictures of visitors as Victoria Beckham, Madonna, Kate Moss and other celebrities. Beautiful clothing, but absurdly expensive. Overpriced or not, people who afford it doesn't care. Bargaining works occasionally.

Rellik

I recently read Sarah Michelle Gellar loves shopping here when she's in London. With attire ranging from the 20's to mid 80's alongside modern vintage and current trends, Rellik - on 8 Golborne Road next to Portobello - provides great inspiration for designers and stylists. The clothing labels (with rather high prices) include Vivienne Westwood, Pucci and Dior.

Appleby

Appleby is situated on 95 Westbourne Park Villas in a trendy corner of Notting Hill. The shop has an amazing, but expensive, collection of rare vintage dresses, jackets, tops and bottoms, coats, suits, lingerie and accessories.

Butler & Wilson

B&W sells vintage clothes, handbags and jewelry of excellent value along with London's biggest collection of vintage dresses. Simon Wilson's original collection of men's jewelry might give your male company a reason to return. Nothing for the faint hearted though. Their two stores are located on 189 Fulham Road, near Sydney Street in Chelsea, and on 20 South Molton Street close to Bond Street.

Shikasuki

The cool and classy Shikasuki, on 67 Gloucester Avenue in Primrose Hill, has a mix of contemporary art and precious vintage clothing. The spacious dressing rooms, the elegant atmosphere and the owner Rachel Ducker's designed greeting cards are a big plus.

If you, despite these suggestions, can't find anything in your taste I recommend one of the many Oxfam stores around London. Although not as trendy as the above examples they do offer affordable vintage clothing for a good cause.