Vogue’s guide to the best vintage stores in Melbourne is part of our directory of the very best vintage around the world, curated by editors from all over. Whether you’re traveling and searching for some superb stores to visit on your trip or are curious about your local vintage treasure chests, Vogue’s directory has you covered.
Who knew that one of the most extensive collections of Comme des Garçons was located in Melbourne? Now you do! Turns out, the vintage scene is thriving in the Aussie town. There’s a variety of types of “vintage” as well—from thrift to secondhand to museum-level collectibles.
But if you’re looking for a shortlist of must-visit shops, look no further. Below, our guide to the best vintage stores in Melbourne, curated with the help of our editors at Vogue Australia.
Dot Comme
If you didn’t get it, the vintage store Dot Comme winks to a certain designer—Comme des Garçons, of course. And that’s because store owner Octavius La Rosa has a collection of 3,500+ pieces of CDG–can you believe it? But this cult-favorite store in Melbourne had more than that—Junya Watanabe, Issey Miyake, Yohji Yamamoto, and Walter Van Beirendonck. All of these pieces have been selected by La Rosa, who has been collecting since the age of 14. Everything is in museum-quality condition, and in the store, which looks straight out of 2001: A Space Odyssey, you’ll find collectible Memphis furniture adding to the ambiance.
Address: Level 3 4 Curtin House 252 Swanston St. Melbourne 3000
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Irvrsbl
Based in Melbourne’s Prahran neighborhood, Irvrsbl (named after the Irreversible passing of time in all things vintage) offers a pristine and varied assortment of vintage designer and archival pieces online and in-store. Founded by vintage enthusiast Clare Ferra, there store is the city’s go-to for Fendi baguettes, Jean Paul Gaultier mesh, and other cool-girl accoutrement. Though it’s mostly an online destination, Irvrsbl does offer appointments for in-person shopping—visitors can request specific things to try on ahead of time or simply browse the many fashion finds.
Address: 116 Greville Street, Prahran
Paris ’99
Established in 2011 by designer and fashion expert Yahav Ron, Paris ’99 is a by-appointment-only showroom that aims to offer the attention of a bygone Parisian haute couture salon. Expect a mixture of new-ish and vintage pieces from serious labels like Alexander McQueen, Ann Demeulemeester, Calvin Klein Collection, Dries Van Noten, Givenchy, Lanvin, and more. Per the store, the offerings range from T-shirts to beaded ball gowns and everything in between.
Address: Level 1, 281 Hampton Street, Hampton
Reina
Inside Reina, you won’t find jam-packed racks of secondhand designer pieces. Inside, carefully merchandises (and spaced out!) archival designer fashion, with a focus on European and Japanese designers from the early 1990s through to the mid-2000s. After five years in an all-white gallery-type store, Reina has moved into a plushly carpeted location that offers a bit more charm.
Address: Level 3, 252 Swanston Street (Curtin House), Melbourne
