This is now in your Top Picks!

Login or create an account to save your favourites and receive personalised recommendations.

LoginRegister

Login to like

Sign in or register to like this content

LoginRegister

Shopping

Go vintage shopping in Dubai

Wed, July 26, 2023

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.

Endless

Originally from the UK and with a mission to "inspire, empower and enable women to feel good and make better shopping choices" according to founder Rosie Gunn, Endless now offers a fantastic range of pre-loved designer fashion in Dubai. Buy or rent items via the online-only store, with clear details of their condition and the original retail price. You can feel good not only about your fantastic new frock, but also that you're helping reduce fashion's impact on the planet. And if you want to sell your designer-wear, Endless will take care of that for you in exchange for a modest commission.

Endless
Shopping

    Garderobe

    vintage-shopping-in-dubai-garderobe-1

    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 per cent 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.

    Reem's Closet

    Started by Reem Mohammed in 2008 following an epiphany on the value of being a "conscious consumer", Reem's Closet has grown from a single location to two stores, a pop-up, a website and an app. Across all of these you can find anything from "as-new" clothes and accessories to high-fashion items with slight flaws. Head to Reem's Closet in Jumeirah Plaza or Mazaya Centre – or their stand at La Brocante, a great place to find vintage furniture.

    Retold

    Promoting both a luxe-for-less and eco-friendly message, pre-loved fashion boutique Retold has branches in JLT (Cluster X), Al Ghurair Centre and Al Quoz. Shoppers will find a carefully curated collection of second-hand finds, ranging from high street bargains to designer label steals – 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. Keep an eye on Retold's Instagram for snap sales and previews – some of which are so exclusive, you'll need to book a slot.

    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 think you’ve time-travelled the minute you step inside Bambah's studio in Al Quoz, or its stunning retail 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.

    The Luxury Closet

    Acting as a facilitator between owners and buyers, The Luxury Closet values and sells vintage and designer fashion. Each item is authenticated before being listed, to give you 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 of your Dubai trip, and they will do their best to hunt the special item down and get you the best possible price for it.

    Sophie's Closet

    With a focus on fine jewellery, such as 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 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.

    Happiness Meter