The hum drum of Bayswater's Whiteleys Shopping Centre is pretty much the same as every other shopping centre up and down the country, a Starbucks, A Gap, A H&M, A Zara if we're really lucky! But on the second floor, something new popped up about seven weeks ago! It's called Victory Vintage and it's sisters Zoe and Rebecca Plummer's solution to the problem.
Now you might all recognise Zoe as a semi finalist in Lord Sugar's Junior Apprentice in 2008, I personally know her from drama school when I was about fifteen! She invited me down to her shop to have a look around and see what I thought so prepare for a long post!
Opposite Gap, and so refreshingly different from anything else that Whiteleys has ever seen, Victory Vintage is a breath of fresh air. One step leads you out of a white cube and into a 1940s paradise, every detail is pristine, to the vinyl record player, the portraits of the royal family, the literature and war time postcards, the briefcases, smoking tins, and finally, the clothes.
There really are so many finds to be found in this hidden gem of a shop! In my short stay I was witness to Hermes, YSL, Bally, Christian Dior, Emma Hope, and many other treats.
The shop is seperated into menswear on one side and womanswear on the other. One has a cascade of leather motorcycle jackets, trenches, tweed suits and brogues, whilst the other focuses on light summer dresses, elegant ball gowns, antique pearls and glorious little leather bags.
And here are some of my favourite pieces that Victory Vintage has to offer!
Very rare 1920s German Motorcycle Pants
And then with the context of my new job I simply could not help admiring some of the amazing vintage hosiery they have on offer!
These gorgeous Mary Quant tights are the ones that I came home with, for only £10!
So with prices ranging from £5 to £300, there really is something for everyone whatever your price range and whatever your taste in time period. It's like stepping into a little world so far away from the dust of the average British high street and it's a top recommendation for anyone looking for alternative shopping in London.
Victory Vintage is located in Whiteleys Shopping Centre, the nearest tube stations being Bayswater and Queensway, and a ten minute bus journey from Oxford Street!
Any other vintage shops you'd recommend?
Let me know :)
Sophie xo
Oooo i love me a good vintage store. Unfortunately here in milton keynes we dont even have one. I must pay them a visit.
ReplyDeleteoo this vintage store looks awesome!
ReplyDeleteyou must have been to beyond retro (also in Central London), but when financial funds are running low for me i stick to the markets. always top quality stuff there. :)