London-based stylist and writer Bay Garnett has worked with vintage clothing for decades, long before it became shorthand for sustainability. She was contributing fashion editor at British Vogue in the early noughties, and built a reputation for sourcing and styling clothes with history, whether from charity shops or specialist dealers, and for putting them on fashion’s cool girls, including Kate Moss, Stella Tennant, Lily Cole and Tilda Swinton.
Her influence doesn’t stop at styling, either. She’s written books on dressing, co-founded Second Hand September, and writes the Substack The Bay Area, where she shares everything from her packing list for Africa, tributes to leopard print coats and signet rings, and styling tips. For Garnett, vintage is about far more than nostalgia. “For me wearing vintage just makes clothes look cooler somehow. There is a relaxed, cool and eclectic feeling. It adds more style, originality and confidence than brand new … It says more, ‘this is who I am.’”
Here, she shares the London vintage stores she rates most highly, from the classics to lesser-known gems.
Found and Vision, Notting Hill
I love this store. It’s run by three women, each with a different style but a great eye. There’s a mix of ’60s, ’70s, ’80s, ’90s and contemporary [pieces]. You might come across an original Springsteen tee or a ’70s smock. There’s also a back room with prom dresses, Vivienne Westwood boots and leopard-print jackets. They also rent pieces, which is perfect for a specific event.
foundandvision.com
Rellik, Notting Hill
One of London’s original cult vintage stores, Rellik has been around since the ’90s and remains a relic in the best possible sense. It’s a go-to for punk pieces by Vivienne Westwood and other legendary London designers of the past 50 years. Fiona Stuart, who runs it now, offers everything from ’70s YSL and Céline tweed to Comme des Garçons, alongside fabulous accessories, jewellery and shoes.
relliklondon.co.uk
Goldsmith Vintage, Notting Hill
There are a few Goldsmith Vintage stores in London, but this one is a favourite. It’s not curated, and you really have to look, nothing is handed to you on a plate. You might find an old Fendi sweatshirt, a rave T-shirt, a fabulous ’70s fake fur, and retro bags and belts. It’s a rummage.
goldsmithvintage.com
Nordic Poetry, Shoreditch
A legendary spot with exceptional pieces, from classic ’70s suede coats with big, beautiful collars in mint condition to Céline bags, Gaultier tops, sharp tailoring and Miu Miu. It’s very fashion-focused, but you’ll also find older gems, including 1930s floral chiffon dresses, in a tightly curated and fairly expensive edit.
nordicpoetry.co.uk
British Red Cross, Marylebone
One of my favourite true charity shops in London. I’ve been coming here for over 20 years and have found some real beauties. It sits in a wealthy but not especially fashionable neighbourhood, so donations tend to come straight from wardrobes. I once found the original YSL safari suit here, not to mention vintage Givenchy dresses. There’s a strong menswear section, and sometimes Chanel tucked away in a glass cabinet. One of London’s finest.
redcross.org.uk
Turner Vintage, Chelsea
Turner Vintage sits above the Rixo store on the King’s Road and can also be found at Frock Me! Vintage Fairs and at Portobello Market on Friday mornings. You’ll find beautiful dresses, jackets and coats from the 1930s to the 1970s. When I spot someone wearing truly special, mint-condition vintage, chances are it’s from Turner Vintage.
@turnervintage
