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Go vintage shopping in Dubai
Wed, February 17, 2021
Hunt the city's best spots for one-off retro finds and pre-loved goods.
Hunt the city's best spots for one-off retro finds and pre-loved goods.
1
Garderobe
For haute couture from Chanel to Prada and beyond, Garderobe is the place to go. It’s owned by Micha Maatouk, the former buyer for Harvey Nichols Dubai. She sweeps her expert eye over every luxury designer piece to enter the store’s stock. Take your time browsing the collections of clothes, jewellery and accessories, with the majority of pieces sourced from the wardrobes of Dubai's socialites and resold for sometimes 90% off the original price tag. If you have any pre-loved items to sell yourself, the team is happy to take them off your hands if they pass Maatouk’s strict quality and authentication tests.
2
Retold
Promoting both a luxe for less and eco-friendly message, pre-loved fashion boutique Retold has opened a new 3,000sqft space in Al Barsha. Shoppers will find a careful curation of second-hand finds ranging from high street bargains to designer label steals spread over two levels, each selected by founder Sian Rowlands. By encouraging people to buy second-hand clothes instead of brand new outfits, Rowlands hopes to reduce the UAE’s carbon footprint and encourage customers to cut out fast fashion and invest in well-made pieces that last.
3
Bambah
Founder Maha Abdul Rasheed is so passionate about fashion from a bygone era that she launched a vintage-inspired, ready-to-wear collection. You’ll be forgiven for thinking you’ve time-travelled the minute you step inside the doors of the Bambah flagship store in City Walk, with turn-of-the-century fixtures, gold detailing and elegant furnishings standing out against a cream colour scheme. Of course, the real standout is the clothes: kitten heels, hats and racks of colourful coats, dresses and more. Bambah’s collection of vintage-style floral kaftans are a particular highlight, with the weightless floaty fabric ideal for Dubai summers.
4
The Luxury Closet
The middleman in owner to buyer introductions, The Luxury Closet values and sells vintage and designer fashion. Each item is officially authenticated before being listed, so you have peace of mind that the special handbag, necklace or outfit of your dreams is the real deal. Visit the brand’s offices at Novotel Al Barsha's API Trio Tower to browse incredible dresses, accessories and more. After something in particular? Let the team know ahead for your Dubai trip and they will do their best to hunt the special item down and get you the best possible price for it.
5
Audrey's Cat
Accessories are the quickest ways to jazz up any outfit, and if you’ve a penchant for all things old-fashioned, we suggest you pay a visit to Audrey’s Cat, a vintage pop-up named after Ms Hepburn’s own confidante. This secret jewellery haven – curated by owner Lynda Kirby – specialises in antique jewellery dating from the 1800s to the 1980s. Think brooches, embellished purses, scarves and chic homeware. Browse the collection and find your own special piece of sparkle at community-led markets in the city, such as ARTE Market at Times Square Centre and other pop-up locations.
6
Sophie's Closet
With a focus in fine jewellery, from glitzy costume pieces, one-of-a-kind heirlooms and everything in between, Sophie’s Closet is a treasure trove of sparkly accessories. Preview rare pieces of vintage jewellery from top global fashion houses and a collection of top picks at the dedicated showroom in Business Bay. Regular seasonal collections are also on show if you’re after statement pieces that follow the latest runway trends. Those with an appreciation for vintage style will love Sophie’s retro and art deco pieces from the likes of Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Givenchy and Christian Dior.
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