Meaning ‘rags’ in Italian and used in Neapolitan culture to describe second-hand clothing, PEZZE is a vintage store founded by Gennaro Boccia. His family has been in fashion retail for six generations and he’s proudly carrying on that tradition with PEZZE, which showcases his philosophy of seeing fashion beyond trends and celebrating the stories that pre-loved clothes carry. He has two locations in Italy and a spot in Hackney Downs Studios, where he sells his expertly curated selection of vintage garms and accessories, which spans everything from designer pieces to sportswear.
"Gennaro who runs Pezze has heart and definitely knows his stuff. His dad has a suit shop in Naples so he’s grown up around smart clobber. It’s eclectic and relevant and you can always expect the unexpected. My all time favourite vintage t-shirt was found in Pezze."
After running a series of pop-ups, Georgea Charlambous and Natalie Bouloux opened a perm inNEOSS store in Stoke Newington in 2019 and it’s become a beloved local boutique. Everything inside is well curated, with the pair choosing sustainable and ethical brands across clothing, accessories, homeware and jewellery. They also have their own in-house NEOSS, which is seasonless, produced locally and made using deadstock fabrics. A must-visit for slow-fashion lovers.
"Just up the road from Hilda is Inneoss, run by friends Georgea and Natalie. I always love their accessories and they are brilliant at championing small, sustainable brands."
If you’re looking for silk, swing by Hai, which has a store in Shoreditch as well as in Seoul. Tessa Vermeulen founded the brand with silk, and though she’s expanded the range by going from bags to clothes and footwear, and by using other materials, the silk pieces still feel the most special. Collections come out each season but all the items, whether it’s a knitted vest, a ballet flat or a silk shirt, are designed to be timeless, with the level of craftsmanship ensuring that they all last a long time too.
"For something really special, I love Hai on Boundary Street known for dupion silk, dreamy ruffles and pastel ballet flats. The store is dark wood panelled and the changing cubicles are silk lined and somehow I feel like I'm in Manhattan when I'm here."
Founded and run by five designers – SBA, Matilda Little, This Belongs To, Timna Weber and Elif – as a post-pandemic pop-up concept, Alta Store opened a permanent space in Soho in 2023. The space brings together a number of designers and connects them with their customers, acting as a hub for independent and upcoming brands. You’ll find seasonless and one-of-a-kind pieces in store across clothing, jewellery, accessories and objects, and you’re guaranteed to stumble across something special.
"If Hilda had a rebellious big sister, she’d be Alta Store. It's tucked away in a neat little Soho spot and they stock brands like Hairy Mary, Lauren Perrin and S_BA, showcasing London's emerging best."
Awaykin is a creative retail and design space in London Fields that’s part boutique and part agency (it works with brands like & Daughter, Peachy Den, Cawley and Shrimps). In the store you’ll find a mix of unisex fashion and accessories alongside limited-edition objects and printed matter from a variety of brands, including many that the agency works with. The modular display systems give the space a distinctive look but also make it easy for it to be used for cultural activations.
"My fave showroom in London Fields has opened a masterly curated retail space under the same name, showcasing an edit from their brand repertoire including brands like Story MFG, & Daughter and Cawley."
Held every Sunday rain or shine (there’s indoor and outdoor sections) at the Pimlico Academy, Capital Car Boot Sale Pimlico always draws in an interesting mix of sellers. Expect a real mix of items on offer, ranging from vintage fashion and antiques to books and kitchenware, and decent pricing too.
"When I have a free Sunday, Pimlico Car Boot is my go-to, especially in the spring. It's always a little hit and miss, but that's part of its charm. I came away with a barbie pink tulle tutu on my last outing."
This charming blue-fronted bookshop is a Church Street institution. It’s got bags of character and is filled with second-hand gems across all genres and topics, including children’s books. The varied selection and the reasonable prices make it the type of place where go in for a browse and end up leaving with a bunch of books.
Photo credit: Ewan Munro
"I always feel close to my late dad when I’m in here. It’s wonderfully well worn, a little moody at times and unchanged. It’s very special. Long may it stay open."
Part of the FARA charity shop family, Retromania in Pimlico is a well-curated treasure trove of vintage. As well as clothing from across the decades, plus some standout archive designer pieces, there’s always a unique and interesting selection of objects to browse, so it’s worth devoting some time to having a proper rummage around. And it’s all for a good cause too, with all the money raised from sales going to support FARA’s work with disadvantaged young people in Romania.
"This charity shop in Pimlico is a treasure box for real vintage seekers. It’s a work-out for the upper arms - the rails are jam packed but if you’re in the mood for a proper rummage (and potential mending project) then this is the spot. Top tip: their archive pieces tend to shine behind the counter."
