Five best vintage stores in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is most certainly one of my most favourite travel destinations. I would liken it to the New York City of Asia. Full of personality, character and a touch of grit, Hong Kong would wet the appetite of any fashionista out there – I know I was salivating when I saw some of the shopping options. SoHo, Central in particular is an area that I’m always drawn to. There’s always a hole in the wall bar, café or of course vintage shop to peruse. A smorgasbord of second-hand delights can be discovered in this Asian shopping mecca. Whether it’s a pre-loved designer handbag, a second-hand pair of heels, a one-off piece of jewellery or even a pair of specs from another era you’re after, you can find it in Hong Kong. Here’s where:

1. Bang Bang 70s

Forget the name Bang Bang – this store should be called Bag Bag! Divine handbags can be found here. The owners (including the cats) are méga relaxed and helpful. You can tell that they are passionate treasure hunters and know their vintage. But the location can be a little bit ‘blink and you’ll miss it’ as the shop is located above other traders. However, you don’t want to skip this one! Brands spotted include Celine, Chanel, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Chloe.

1/F, 16A Aberdeen Street, SoHo, Central | Opening hours Mon-Sun 2pm-9pm.

2. Vintage HK

This store offers a huge range of everything. From amazing accessories to heels to even complete outfits can be purchased at Vintage HK. There doesn’t seem to be a set era the shop focuses on so you can find bits and pieces you missed out on recently. I bought a Marc by Marc Jacobs satchel and a Marni for H&M resin necklace. If it’s bling you are after, Vintage HK is for you. Brands spotted Chanel, Viktor & Rolf, Chloe, Jimmy Choo.

G/F 57-59 Hollywood Road, Central | Opening hours Mon-Sun 11am-9pm.

3. Opera Opera

The owner of Opera Opera sources some of the sublime items from Italy. Sigh. I would categorise Opera Opera as more high end, luxury vintage. There is also a strong military influence with the clothing in this shop. If you are sourcing for scarves and bags, I recommendation making your way to this one. Brands spotted Prada, Fendi, Hermes, Chanel. Say no more.

G/F, 14 Gough Street SoHo, Central | Opening hours Mon-Sun 11am-9pm.

4. Select 18

In short, this is the shop for the coolest specs in the world. Outrageous and marvelous reading and sunglasses are lined all over the walls. The shoes and accessories found in Select 18 are also to die for. Earrings, bangles, trinkets, chains – you name it, they’ve got it – vintage style. Select 18 is a feast for your peepers. If you can’t see that, then maybe you need to buy some of the glasses! I purchased a vintage snakeskin Fendi belt here. Jealous much?

Shop A, G/F, 18 Bridges Street, SoHo, Central | Opening hours 11am-9pm.

5. Retrostone

I don’t know if you could call it a chain store but there are a few outlets of Retrostone, however, I only made it to the Cannon St store. I loved the plethora of neon embellished necklaces and found that there was a good mix of retro-inspired looks (i.e. new items) to true vintage (mainly purses). Think “I’m going to Coachella wearing ripped denim shorts and a printed tee matched with a loud necklace” look.

1/F, 504 Lockhart Road, Causeway Bay 
2/F, 1 Cannon Street, Causeway Bay 
B23, Basement, Trendy Zone, Mong Kok.

Yvette King

Yvette King is a Singapore-based fashion and lifestyle TV presenter who has interviewed the who’s who in the fashion world. When she’s not reporting backstage at a catwalk show or at a red carpet, she’s working on her style blog tanjongbazaar.com.