While we all love a good vintage shop, heading into central London for some pre-loved rummaging, the new reality that is lockdown has thrust us into a world where jumping on an overcrowded tube and journeying to our favourite vintage spots is a no-go. But as much as we miss the chaos, the current restrictions have opened up a whole microcosm of online vintage shopping – and with a lot more time on our hands, delving deep into the delights this offers has grown increasingly appealing.
The Vintage Bar is a Copenhagen-based, premier online destination for pre-loved, luxury pieces. Established in 2017, their buyers travel the world to hand-select the most exclusive pre-owned items, all maintaining enough quality and lasting craftsmanship to ensure they’re fit for a new life within a modern wardrobe.
Meticulously inspecting each item, all pieces sold by The Vintage Bar have been 100% authenticated. And sold for up to 60% off their retail price, they’re succeeding in making luxury fashion accessible.
The growth in the resale market started in the early 2000s and, much to the delight of the environmentally conscious, has continued to grow year on year. The ugly, unignorable truth is that fashion is one of the top-polluting industries. As climate change remains at the forefront of many consumer concerns and more of us become aware of the environmental impact of fast fashion, The Vintage Bar proudly offers a sustainable way to shop, keeping pieces in circulation and extending the lifespan of some great pre-owned items. It isn’t an entirely altruistic endeavour, either. Discovering discounted gems on vintage sites is hugely satisfying, saves money, and reassures you with the knowledge that (most-likely) no one else will own that piece.
If you’re a little short of time and can’t commit to a full afternoon’s worth of browsing their impressive collection, we’ve put together an edit of our 12 favourite pre-loved designer staples that can upgrade any wardrobe this summer.
FENDI WHITE ZUCCA PANTS (€335.00)
Denim has become synonymous with vintage shopping. After all, what’s better than a pair of non-stretch, perfectly worn in vintage jeans, with all the effortless allure missing in this generation’s denim? We’ll wait…
Of course, rummaging through piles of mixed-up denim with sizes you cannot trust is easier said than done. Luckily, The Vintage Bar has done the hard work for you. These Fendi Pants in a white denim are perfect to brighten your wardrobe this summer.
FENDI ORANGE ZUCCA VINYL BAGUETTE MAMMA (€685.00)
The Vintage Bar offers a huge collection of authenticated bags with new arrivals every day. We spotted this Fendi Baguette Mamma bag in a peachy-orange Zucca vinyl, offering gold hardware and a short, adjustable shoulder strap. Practical and feminine, this peachy accessory would look great against all your summer linens this year.
GUCCI BLACK DIAMANTE CANVAS SHOULDER BAG (€483.00)
On the topic of bags, we couldn’t not mention this Gucci Shoulder Bag, crafted with black canvas and detailed with the house’s iconic monogram print. Oozing with all the glamour of our beloved ‘90s shoulder bags, this pre-loved piece couldn’t fit more perfectly into a 2020 wardrobe.
DIOR GOLD-PLATED OBLIQUE LOGO NECKLACE (€215.00)
Buying vintage is one of the best ways to shop jewellery – they have already stood the test of time. And with huge discounts to be found in otherwise unaffordable pieces, why wouldn’t you opt for a pre-loved item? This Dior Gold-Plated Oblique Logo Necklace is dreamy. We recommend layering it up with other gold accessories to upgrade any outfit.
CHANEL GOLD-PLATED ‘CC’ PENDANT NECKLACE (€402.00)
Within the world of women’s fashion, is there anything more iconic than a Chanel accessory? Since the inception of Chanel in 1910, the luxury brand has become not only a symbol of fashion, but a symbol of femininity. The popularity of the interlocking ‘C’ jewellery has continued to rise since Karl Lagerfeld introduced these loud gold pieces in the ‘80s, and there’s definitely no sign of their fandom quieting down. This gold-plated ‘CC’ Pendant Necklace is perfect.
CHANEL STERLING SILVER ‘CC’ DANGLE EARRINGS (€402.00)
While we’ve got you excited about Chanel, take a look at these. When it comes to Chanel’s interlocking ‘C’ earrings, we say the bigger, the better. If you want to invest in an item that lasts, opting for vintage over new, and also tap into the indulgent jewellery trend that has come back around this year, then these Sterling Silver ‘CC’ Dangle Earrings could be for you.
BOTTEGA VENETA ORANGE INTRECCIATO LEATHER FLAT THONGS (€187.00)
Treat yourself to this pair of Bottega Veneta Flat Thongs in the house’s signature woven leather.
BOTTEGA VENETA BLUE BIFOLD WALLET (€201.00)
On the topic of the house’s signature woven leather, this Bottega Veneta Wallet in teal blue is a must-have.
CHANEL BLACK SUEDE MULES (€201.00)
Another way to update your wardrobe with a nod to the fashion-defining ‘90s is by adding these Chanel Black Suede Mules, featuring a wooden heel and the iconic ‘CC’ buckle.
DIOR JACQUARD CANVAS POCHETTE (€658.00)
No mention of the ‘90s is complete without honouring Dior’s Saddle Pochette. Carried by everyone from Paris Hilton to Carrie Bradshaw after the bag was birthed on a Parisian runway in 1999, it definitely deserves its second moment in the spotlight.
PRADA KHAKI NYLON CROSSBODY BAG (€483.00)
And finally, we are obsessed with this military-inspired, muted-toned Prada Crossbody Bag. Shorten the adjustable strap across your body for an updated take on this classic design.
You can check out the rest of The Vintage Bar’s growing pre-loved collection HERE.
