Fashion

Where to shop vintage in Japan

Fashion's Holy Grail

31.05.2023

By Pravin Nair

Images courtesy of @amore_tokyo on Instagram
Where to shop vintage in Japan

Vintage designer goods have taken over the interest of young shoppers by a chokehold, and there’s a plethora of reasons why we’re seeing this surge. For starters, we have fashion influencers to thank. Whether they’re walking on the runway or sitting front-row at fashion shows, influencers have played a big part in “influencing” their followers to shop vintage. It just so happens that one of them is none other than fashion darling and supermodel Bella Hadid.

 

 

While vintage designer shopping amongst celebrities is not new, Hadid has seemingly refreshed the idea by serving her own looks as a mood board for Y2K fashion enthusiasts. Case in point, have a look at Bella rocking this 2015 Chanel camouflage bag here.

 

Bella Hadid Streetstyle

Another reason why we’re seeing a boom in vintage designer shopping is due to the ever-changing landscape of the environment and the need to protect it. There’s also the prevalent need for younger individuals to stand out and engage with counterculture. 

As of late, many have been flocking to the Land of the Rising Sun to source for pre-owned pieces and acquire them at good deals at that. Designer thrift stores in Japan simply have it all. Don’t believe us? Check out this video below.

 

@damndar best purchase evaaaaa #thriftingjapan #luxurythrifting ♬ original sound – Atiqa Dar

Known for having an edge and always being ahead of the curve in curating and selling pre-loved luxury goods, fashion lovers have always found Japan to be a revered location for bespoke, vintage designer pieces that are authenticated by professionals. 

To those of you who are heading East for your holiday, let us be your shopping planners. Below, we list where you can do some heavy lifting (of bags) in Japan.

 

Kindal

Located by Omotesando Avenue, Kindal is a second-hand consignment boutique hidden amongst unassuming stores. Make sure you keep your eyes peeled and head up the escalator once you’re in the building to be greeted by an ocean of vintage designer goods. 

Shop great luxury pieces from Japanese designers such as Issey Miyake, Kenzo, Commes des Garçons and Sacai, to name a few. Interested in scoring contemporary pieces from Western designers? Fret not. With a healthy selection of Ralph Lauren, Gucci, Dior and Chanel, you’ll be confined to the store for hours till you’ve made up your mind.

Find Kindal, Harajuku at 3F 4-29-3 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo.

 

Vini Vini Luxe

 

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Founded in 1995, Vini Vini Luxe is a curated vintage designer thrift store located in the trendy Daikanyama neighbourhood. Selling a range of items from regular basics to high-end designer goods such as Céline, Kenzo, Chanel, and Hermès, to name a few, Vini Vini is a must-stop shop for when you’re in Shibuya.

Find Vini Vini at 150-0034 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Daikanyamacho, 14−20 Quatorze Daikanyama 102.

 

Amore Vintage

 

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A post shared by AMORE Vintage (@amore_tokyo)

Amore Vintage is the place to be shopping at. With a stamp of approval from fashion retailer Farfetch, who follows them on their Instagram page, Amore comes stocked full of pieces from vintage Chanel, Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, and Louis Vuitton.

Find Amore Vintage at 5 Chome-1-15 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo.

 

Rinkan

 

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This store is focused on catering to crowds that are interested in pre-loved designer streetwear items. Vintage pieces from Hedi Slimane’s Saint Laurent to his Dior Homme era live side by side, next to pieces from Rick Owens, Hèrmes, and Chromes Hearts.

Find Rinkan at B1F-2F Wako Bldg, 1-12-16 Jinnan, Shibuya City, Tokyo.

 

2nd Street

We’re all familiar with 2nd Street vintage stores. Littered globally, 2nd Street’s origins begin in Japan. A little-known fact about the establishment is that even with over 800 stores across Japan alone, they are never short of vintage designer goods for their customers to shop.

Fnd them at 4 Chome-26-4 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo

 

10 Tow

A favourite spot for underground fashion collectors, 10 Tow is a vintage designer space catered to highlighting Japan’s diverse range of avant-garde creators. Featuring the likes of Rei Kawakubo and her notable label Commes des Garcon, the store also curates pieces from Western designers, which include Jean Paul Gaultier and Maison Margiela.

Find 10 Tow at Shibuya Udagawa KK Bldg, 4F 11-6 Udagawacho Shibuya Tokyo.

 

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