Dressing on a budget has never been so glamorous as the sharing economy has disrupted a boom within the market of second-hand dressing, making it easily available to everyone finding rare pieces at a fraction of the original retail price.
As consumer habits change and the mentality towards pre-owned items become more susceptible among high-end consumers, we observe a shift to the stereotypical luxury consumption in the UAE. Over the last 3 years, we have seen an increasing demand of circular methods of consumption for shoppers in the region as they have identified a gap to source unique, vintage, and branded pre-loved items that are not accommodated for in a city so wealthy.
The silver lining to this means that consumers already have a good awareness of the benefits of vintage shopping, yet the lack of supply is little to none, leaving many fashion entrepreneurs with a golden ticket to meet the circular demands of consumers.
Some vintage shops have caught wind of the increasing trend early on and have garnered a large following based on their uniqueness and one-of-a-kind offerings. We understand that shopping vintage in a country dominated by luxury ready-to-wear can be exhausting, but luckily for you, we have gathered all the top vintage shops dominating the market and who to keep an eye on for your next sustainable purchase.
Re-use, Re-love, and re-discover the best items from the top 10 vintage shops in the UAE:
The Luxury Closet
The forerunner in the GCC for circular consumption is hands down The Luxury Closet. After securing more than an $11 million investment from leading beauty influencers in the world, the Kattan sisters, the backing of the Dubai-based platform has opened the path for many other vintage shops to enter the market. The e-commerce platform allows you to both sell and shop new or pre-loved luxury goods from every fashion powerhouse imaginable. From LV, Chanel, Cartier, and Rolex. You can shop online or at their store located in Novotel Dubai Al Barsha.
Garderobe
Having launched shortly after The Luxury Closet, Garderobe is a C2C vintage shop platform that aims at connecting sellers offering high-end products in good condition to potential buyers through a premium service retail experience. They regularly update their Instagram profile to promote some of the most uniquely sourced goods that will leave sustainable fashion enthusiasts breathless.
Bagatelle Boutique
If you are looking for a vintage shop that specialises in sourcing the best of the best bags then Bagatelle Boutique is a must-follow. A Chanel-filled Instagram page, with every other unique finding available, Bagatelle Boutique pulls on the heartstrings of thrifters around the world. Not only are they renowned for having certified branded originals, which are in excellent condition, but it is truly one of the most authentic thrift stores to either sell or buy pre-owned designer items.
Retold
Not all vintage shops in the UAE sell luxury items, as some individuals prefer to steer away from luxury items to collect a sustainable wardrobe that’s more affordable. Retold, is one of Dubai’s preferred vintage shop as they cater to everyone seeking everything from high-end designer pieces to even unknown street-style brands that are affordable! Their popularity amongst circular shoppers is so in demand that they recently just opened their 3rd store as well as made it easily accessible for couch-shoppers to shop from their online store at home. So whether you’re looking to sell, buy or curiously browse around, this is the place for you!
Fashion Re-run
Steering away from the typical high fashion items, Fashion Re-run offers a different selection of pre-loved items by specialising in unique Varsity jackets, vintage graphic tees, cargo pants, and 80s-inspired tracksuits. Based in the UAE, Fashion Re-run has one of the most extensive collections and the widest range of some of the best vintage clothes to find in the region. Shop some of the coolest vintage pieces either via their online store or in person at the Ripe Market and the Urban Market in Dubai.
Les Spot
Les Spot is a unicorn when it comes to vintage shops in the UAE. Far from the typical aesthetic of branded luxury, Les Spot prides itself on curating a “freaky girl” vintage image that can easily be mistaken as Bella Hadid’s wardrobe. This new retail store in Al Wasl has become a hot spot for fashionistas and influencers alike for its curated vintage pre-loved and repurposed fashion products, which have been seen on @itsara.ae and @raniafawazz. Homeware, beauty, and some of the trendiest fits are some of the rare gems to be found at this vintage shop.
Riot
We instantly get a foot fetish when we land on Riot’s Instagram page. From Valentino’s rock star heels to Louboutin’s stilettoes, they have everything you can want from a vintage shop that specialises in pre-owned luxury. Partnered with Ounass, they currently have a curated vintage collection available on the big fashion e-commerce platform. Their items are known to sell out fast, so don’t wait too long to check them out.
Vintage Vibe
Similar to Fashion Re-run, Vintage Vibe offers some of the most nostalgic fits at an incredible price. Their vintage shop is a mecca for unique findings from vintage sports team caps to unique graphic tees. Perfect for vintage lovers who usually dig into their dad’s old college days clothes, Vintage Vibe is heaven for those who like to stock their wardrobes with good collectible items.
Amused
If you have to imagine the face of a famous vintage shop in the region, then Sara Teymoor Banaja should immediately come to mind. Founded by her and partner Mansoor Banaja, the Saudi-British couple launched Amused as a digital platform dedicated to shifting luxury consumption in Saudi Arabia into a more sustainable and engaging shopping experience. Encouraging people to resell, rebuy, and re-love, Amused offers a wide range of pre-owned luxury products carefully selected using AI authentication systems, while delivering the added value of educating their customers on the benefits of shopping circular.
Urban Market Concept
Imagine street style galore as Urban Market Concept specialises in a variety of vintage collectibles for fashion fanatics in love with street culture. What makes their vintage shop so unique is that they have pop-up stores all over the UAE, creating an entertaining event to look forward to while shopping for pre-loved gems. At their markets you can find some of the most unique vintage and pre-loved pieces to add to your thrifted closet collection.
Stay tuned to all the latest news by subscribing to ITP Live’s newsletter below.