Cape Town hearts vintage

We reveal the clothing stores reviving retro fashion

My grandmother often recounts watching swing bands, who would be dressed in classic outfits from the ‘40s, and Disco Dad often describes his disastrous ‘80s mullet as ‘all business at the front, party at the back’. Vintage clothing stores in Cape Town are wonderfully nostalgic, not just for the comforting, musty scent, but also for the history connected to each garment.

The classic ‘40s

Fashion in the ‘40s was heavily influenced by World War II and Big Bands. Frivolous and glamorous was out, in favour were classic, timeless garments in solid colour. Franki’s Vintage houses rails of bags, beads and drama pieces, as well as second-hand garments by modern designers (70 Main Road | Kalk Bay | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 788 6776).

Opened in 1972, Dee’s vintage store, Second Time Around, is one of Cape Town’s oldest, celebrating vintage to be admired in. Old souls will find hundreds of dresses, leather boots, handbags, crazy hats, vintage china and a collection of antique dolls. In fact, we found everything our vintage heart desired at Second Time Around (196 Long Street | City Centre | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 424 8597).

The rock n’ roll ‘50s

Women in the ‘50s defied their mothers, wearing narrow waistlines and full, brightly coloured skirts far removed from the conservative ‘40s. Dubbed ‘Dior’s new look’, fashion was best suited to rock n’ roll and jive dancing. Everyone wanted to be seen in fur coats like the ones you’ll find at Glitterati. You’ll also find belts, handbags, jewelry and shoes (172 Long Street | City Centre | Cape Town | +27 (0)82 819 5247).

Rock, Paper, Scissors is filled with quirky handmade and vintage dresses and accessories. Jodi Meiring re-works damaged and unwanted garments with handmade felt appliqué and embroidered graffiti - and has a wonderful pinup range of clothing from Mishapp, lots of authentic clothing from the 1950s -1970s as well as authentic toys from the 1960s and 1970s. (120 Bree Street | City Centre | Cape Town | +27 (0)82 925 1379)

The swinging ‘60s

The psychedelic ‘60s saw the transition from PVC dresses and go-go boots, to hippie bell-bottom jeans, tie-dye and paisley prints (it was at this point that mothers everywhere realised their protests were futile). A patterned dress and linen coat caught our eye at Second Hand Rose. Young trend-setters can easily spend hours browsing the rails of this ambient store. For forty years, owner, Liz Fieldgate, has stocked costume jewelry, bags and ball gowns from the ‘30s to the ‘70s (Cavendish Close | Claremont | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 674 4270).

We also spotted a white, crochet dress and gorgeous clutch bags to match at Amy Smego’s, Journey, as well as women’s wear, menswear, art and home ware (186 Long Street | City Centre | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 424 5209).

The disco ‘70s and the new romantic ‘80s

Fashion in the ‘70s began where the ‘60s left off. Miniskirts were popular, trousers were flared, shirts had gigantic collars and flower power was inescapable. During the ‘80s, Vivienne Westwood’s band of 17th Century, New Romantic pirates won the war against punks with their asymmetrical haircuts and excessive make-up. Meanwhile, Joan Collins inspired shoulder pads and mullets.

You’ll find vintage bags, clothing and headbands right up to the ‘80s, at Autumn Fish. Browse a wide variety of garments in wearable condition and friendly staff will even show you how to dress like a disco diva. Read more about young designers at Autumn Fish (89 Sir Lowry Road | Woodstock | Cape Town | +27 (0)79 560 2151).

The affordable Jimmy Choos

Have you always dreamed of owning a pair of Jimmy Choos? Stock Exchange sells old designer dresses, jeans and shoes at a tenth of the price. And that’s not all. You don’t have to be a skinny model to wear their broad range of sizes. (116 Kloof Street | Tamboerskloof | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 424 5971).

Black, high waisted tuxedo pants by Chanel are just the garment owner of Afraid of Mice, Bianca Brandi, wishes her mother had kept for her. “This is a top-notch vintage store offering classics at affordable prices,” says Elle Magazine, “a shop to spend a good part of your day in." (88 Long Street | City Centre | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 423 7353).

“What’s unbecoming of you should be coming to us” is the motto of Beverly’s Closet. The up-market, second hand clothing and shoe boutique stocks everything from designer to local, from handbags to jewelry, and from modern to vintage. Their imported handbags and sunglasses are worth a look too.(Shop No 1 | Cambridge House | Oxford Street | Durbanville | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 975 5170).

The vintage bicycle

Thaya Bedford, who provided photographs for this article, operates online shop, Beatnik Bazaar. “I stock locally, handmade goods, some retro and vintage pieces and vintage bicycles. I also stock bicycle accessories, such as baskets and Chapel bags (which are made for cycling with),” says Thaya. (Muizenberg | Cape Town | +27 (0)79 519 4979 | beatnikbazaar.co.za).


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