From Rags to Retro: Beijing’s Hippest Vintage Clothing Stores

From Rags to Retro: Beijing’s Hippest Vintage Clothing Stores
By Ellen Schliebitz , eChinacities.com

Vintage clothing has been making a huge comeback in fashion forward cities around the world, especial at major fashion centers like New York and London. Polka dot frocks from the 50’s, eccentric outfits from the 1960’s, elegant dresses and brogue shoes from the 1920’s and 30’s, hippy shirts and leather satchel bags from the 70’s, even denim jackets from the 80’s are ferociously being snatched up by vintage loving ladies and gentlemen everywhere. Though mainly second hand, a rummage through vintage stores can produce some true gems, representing the culture from an era past and a fashion revival that’s turning old rags into some of the hottest commodities in the fashion world. If you haven’t been bitten by the vintage bug yet, be warned; the virus is spreading and it’s already clear that Beijing is far from immune!

M&M (Mega Mega) VintageView In Map
M&M is hands down Beijing’s best vintage shop. This shop on Gulou Dongdajie may be small, but its space is packed to the brim with one of a kind, carefully selected vintage clothing and accessories imported from abroad. Stepping through the doors transports you straight to Brick Lane in London – the trendy street that is not only home to a large Bengali community but also one of London’s largest concentration of vintage shops. Even the fitting room assumes the form of a traditional London phone box. The walls are decorated with old band photographs, posters, number plates etc.

However, of greater interest is the stock that fills virtually every available space within the premises. From old granny shirts, denim flares, leather jackets to dresses and skirts from the 50’s and 60’s’; you’ll find it here. The shop also sells a beautiful collection of male and female leather shoes and bags, belts and jewelry. The only thing that stops you from going shopping crazy is the fact the novelty aspect of finding such rare gems in Beijing is clearly reflected in the prices. While there is a bargain basket with items for as little as 25 RMB, the majority of clothes are priced at 150 RMB and up. Leather shoes, bags and jackets may well reach to the thousands. However, for those who value individual and trendy old-style garments, then this place is the place to go.

Add: 241 Gulou Dongdajie, Dongcheng District, Beijing
地址:北京市东城区鼓楼东大街241号
Tel: 13611113460
Website: www.mmvintage.com
Opening hours: 14:30-22:00
Getting there: take bus No. 107, 124, 635 and get off at Baochao Hutong stop(宝钞胡同站)
Or take subway line 2 to Gulou Station (鼓楼站)and walk to M&M (it's a pretty long walk).

 

Tiger VintageView In Map
Tiger is the latest vintage shop addition to the Gulou Dongdajie commercial strip. Though its selection is not as impressive or complete as M&M’s, the shop is lined with rails of men‘s and women’s vintage fashion, including denim gear, leather jackets, floral and polka dotted frocks and shirts. Dresses go for 150 RMB regardless of style or size and leather jackets for about 600 RMB. At first glance, most of the dresses look too large and shapeless, but with an imaginative eye and a willingness to make a trip to your tailor, this shop certainly has the potential to yield a vintage treasure or two.

Add: 241 Gulou Dongdajie, Dongcheng District, Beijing
地址:北京市东城区鼓楼东大街63号
Tel: 135 0102 4720
Opening hours: 13:00-23:00 daily
Getting there: take bus No. 107, 124, 635 and get off at Baochao Hutong stop(宝钞胡同站)
Or take subway line 2 to Gulou Station (鼓楼站)Exit B and walk to Gulou Dongdajie

Bye Bye DiscoView In Map
This shop is the place to go for those who love 80’s retro fashion. Run by Pang Kuan, a member of the super popular electro rock band New Pants, this is one of China’s only shops dedicated to Chinese pop culture from the 70s, 80s and 90’s. Located on Nanluoguxiang, Bye Bye Disco stocks a good selection of neon coloured leggings, retro trainers, sports sweaters, T-shirts and random quirky accessories. It’s also a good place to pick up New Pants’ CDs. Retro Chinese brands include Feiyue, Warrior and many more. The owners have also founded the Bye Bye Disco bar which is not only a great place to show-off your retro style, but is also a picturesque courtyard bar with themed parties every weekend and kick-ass electro music.

Add: 38-2 Nanluoguxiang, off Gulou Dongdajie, Dongcheng District, Beijing
地址:北京市东城区鼓楼东大街南锣鼓巷38-2
Tel: 010 6402 5581
Opening hours: 14:00-22:00
Website: www.byebyedisco.com
Taobao page: http://byebyedisco.taobao.com/

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Keywords: Vintage clothes Beijing retro clothes Beijing where to buy vintage clothes Beijing M&M Vintage Beijing best vintage shop Beijing

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