VINTAGE SHOPPING IN SYDNEY

Sydney is not exactly a vintage shopping destination. In comparison to cities like London, LA and New York, you could say it’s lagging behind in the quality second-hand clothing department. However, there are still some gems to be found if you know exactly where to look. Australian fashion designer Kirrily Johnston shares with us her short but essential list of places to find great vintage in Sydney.

The Vintage Clothing Shop, 7/80 Castlereagh Street, Sydney +61 2 9238 0090
The ladies that run this store take great pride in what they do. Only well preserved unique garments hang in this store. Vintage Mugler, Chanel, Halston… you can truly find some amazing pieces. It’s not cheap, this is vintage investment shopping. The ladies also have an amazing room upstairs with incredible archive pieces dating back to the late 1800’s. A favourite with stylists and fashion editors. 

Salvation Army “Tempe Tip”, 4 Bellevue Street, St Peters +61 2 9519 1513
Fondly nicknamed the Tempe Tip, this is one of the main drop off points for used clothing and wares in Sydney. Run by the Salvo’s you can find some truly great things! Everything from old records, lamps, furniture and some seriously good clothing finds. My last one was a great Navy Armani blazer. I have been an ambassador for the salvos since 2009 when they discovered that I was regularly visiting the Tempe Tip to source old jumpers to chop up and re-invent as part of a collection that I was working on at the time.

C’s Flashback, 316-318 Crown Street, Darlinghurst +61 2 9331 7833
The best place in Sydney for boyfriend jeans.  Old 501’s  Wranglers – lots of them & reasonably priced.

Mitchell Road Antique Gallery, 76 Mitchell Road, Alexandria +61 2 9310 7200
Upstairs from the well known Mitchell Road Auction Center (where you can bid on some amazing things) is the Antique gallery. Items here are in good condition and are displayed well. The space is vast and there are lots of clothes too. Loads of amazing old jewellery, watches, furs, 50’s, 60’s and 70’s dresses and hats. You need a couple of hours to take it all in and you won’t walk away empty handed.

By Kirrily Johnston
www.kirrilyjohnston.com