Throwback: Perth's Best Retro and Vintage Wares

Step back in time and find the unexpected in Perth’s best vintage stores.

Throwback: Perth's Best Retro and Vintage Wares

Step back in time and find the unexpected in Perth’s best vintage stores.
Brought to you by
adventure-kings-logo

Step back in time and find the unexpected in Perth’s best vintage stores.

Oh-Henry-Vintage3

In a world that is so dominated by mass produced items, we often forget the charm and feeling that comes with owning something unique. Over the last few years Perth’s vintage and antique industry has turned into a bustling business as people are becoming increasingly more interested in buying unique quality items that have a history and character.

Although each vintage and antique store I visited was quite distinctive, they all have a common passion and love for the nostalgia that comes with something from the past and the layer of knowledge they can pass on to their customers. The thrill that comes with not knowing exactly what you are going to find amongst the racks of clothing and shelves lined with bric-a-brac is an experience unlike any other. So enjoy the rummaging and read on for an in-depth list of Perth’s best vintage and antique stores.

Oh Henry Vintage

Oh-Henry-Vintage2

Oh Henry Vintage is an absolute feast for the eyes, the crisp white walls and natural light contrast beautifully with the colour coordinated clothing racks and glistening sequin embellished garments. Specialising in clothing from the 20’s through to the 90’s, self-confessed vintage lover and owner of Oh Henry Vintage, Jasmine Campbell opened the store about five years ago. She says that “vintage clothing was the only type of fashion that excited [her]” and the life long affaire progressed from market stalls to a very successful store in Northbridge.

Oh-Henry-Vintage1_0

Whilst Jasmine usually brings back around 3000 garments from her bi-annual buying trips to America, her vintage collection is still highly curated and edited. She only “brings the best back to Perth” making sure that everyone is catered for and that each piece she selects is of the highest quality and is unique.

Vinnie’s Retro

Vinnie's-Retro2

Whether you’re looking for a second hand designer piece, dress-ups for your next party, retro clothing or general bric-a-brac, Vinnie’s Retro in Northbridge will be your go-to! The volunteers spend a lot of time merchandising the store and organising the racks into eras or themes, to make looking for that special something a lot easier.

Vinnie's-Retro1

The affordable prices and wide range of clothing means there is something for everyone, plus the candy coloured walls and enthusiasm of the volunteers make your shopping experience here even more fun and enjoyable. And truly there is nothing better than knowing that the money you spend here will be used to provide essential support to people in need.

Fi & Co / Beleza Vintage

Fi&Co1

Walking into Fi & Co is surprise after surprise! The two-storey store is set out in three distinct areas, the front area features modern designs by local and national designers, while the back room is literally a store within a store housing incredible vintage pieces from Beleza Vintage.

Fi&Co3As you make your way up the shoe adorned staircase you find yourself stepping back in time into someone’s dining room and closet. On one side there are tables and shelves lined with vintage crockery and glass bottles and on the other racks of vintage dresses each more unique than the next sit opposite the boudoir like changing rooms.

Fi&Co4Owner Fiona Hiew was inspired to launch Fi & Co after travelling extensively through Asia and bringing back goods that she couldn’t find back in Perth – namely shoes! Fiona says she is “always attracted to things that are different, unusual & quaint.” Which makes perusing those racks full of uniqueness even more of a thrill!

Horatio and Agatha’s Vintage Supplies

Agatha-and-Horatio2

Tucked away in the heritage Bon Marche Arcade, Horatio and Agatha’s Vintage Supplies is a charming and eclectic little shop perfect for those that like to rummage; the more you look the more you will find!

Agatha-and-Horatio3

The store was named after fictional characters Agatha and Horatio, that owner Maya Hill created to add a bit of personality and fun to her store. The characters each embody the types of pieces she selects for her store, catering for a wide audience here you will find everything from crystal glasses, delicate tea sets to vintage tools and cute curios.

If you pop in be sure to have a chat to Maya, she loves “passing on a layer of knowledge” whether it is the story that goes with the item or the technique that the item was made with.

Trinity Antiques

Trinity-Antiques1

Trinity Antiques is one of Perth’s most established and trusted fine jewellery and antiques dealer. Owner Trevor Hancock is a specialist in Australian Colonial jewellery and is renown for his prominent collection of Australia’s most important jeweller. Including Australia’s earliest jewellery pieces; convict tokens.

Trinity-Antiques2

Trevor has had the honour of having pieces from his collection exhibited at The National Gallery of Australia, The National Library of Australia, The Art Gallery of South Australia as well as The Powerhouse Museum in Sydney.

Trinity-Antiques4

Trinity Antiques has become a destination of those looking for rare antiques and unique jewellery. The store windows and cabinets are lined with glistening 19th century and art deco jewellery; I particularly fell in love with a diamond bracelet from 1890. Trevor mentions that in the last ten years he has seen an increase in everyday people wanting to buy antique jewellery, for the high craftsmanship, the quality of the stones and of course uniqueness of the design.

Carillon Antiques

Carillon-Antiques

“The beauty of antiques is that each individual item is different” says Wendy Kuper owner of Carillon Antiques. Even though the style of jewellery or porcelain may be similar, because it is handmade there is always something unique about each piece.

Wendy has been in the industry for over 45 years and her love for antiques stems from her childhood. She fondly remembers going through her mother’s and grandmother’s striking collection of antique jewellery and being fascinated by their unique designs.

Carillon-Antiques2

Her store Carillon Antiques presents a beautiful collection of fine jewellery and porcelain, including a large collection of art deco jewellery with a particular focus on platinum pieces whose “designs are original and have a superior quality”. Shelves around the store also hold a stunning collection of antique porcelain and pottery likes of Royal Doulton and Perth based Wembley Ware. Carillon Antiques is true little gem that is a must of anyone looking for something that is “unique and made with beauty and care”.

Sgt Peppers Vintage and Vinyl Collective

St-Peppers

Sgt Peppers Vintage and Vinyl Collective is a must destination for music lovers and those looking for unique decorative items. As the name suggests the store specialises in original vinyls.  Owner Peter Hesketh has been a record collector for over 30 years and wanted to share the nostalgia that comes with something from the past. He explained that new vinyls simply don’t have the same character that the originals do and that is the charm of vintage.

St-Peppers1

Looking through the store you certainly feel like you have stepped back in time, old ship lights, wine boxes, books and interesting ornaments line the shelves and walls. Peter says that a lot of people come into his store to find those unique pieces “that will make their house look cool”.

St-Peppers2

A few personal favourites included the travel trunks, the wooden boxes and of course the original vinyls. The best thing about Sgt Peppers Vintage and Vinyl Collective is its varied selection and affordable prices.

INTOO Collectables

INTOO-Collectables1

Having always had an interest in vintage and retro furniture and homewares, and becoming increasingly aware that there was a lack of interesting and original designs in Perth, owner John Verschuren decided to open INTOO Collectables. His store specialises in mid-century furniture sourced from Denmark and his home country Holland.

INTOO Collectables now acts as more of an office store front, these days the wholesale business has become very important. He mention’s that in the last three years Perth’s booming hospitality industry has seen him supply furniture to some of the coolest places in town including Mary Street Bakery, The Raw Kitchen and Long Chim.

INTOO-Collectables2

For the person looking for unique designs a visit to INTOO Collectable is a must! A few of my favourite homewares included the satirical Russian art on the wall and a rare portable television designed by Philippe Starck in the 90’s.

Website

Ruck Rover

Ruck-Rover1

Friendly, colourful and independent are the three words that best describe Ruck Rover, a little boutique on William Street, Northbridge bursting with joy. Founded by sister’s Claire and Isabelle Trolio the store is all about injecting a bit of fun and colour to your wardrobe and home, “clothes should be fun and make you happy and the experience of shopping for clothes should mirror this!”

Ruck-Rover2

Rightly so, as you walk into their store you can’t help but smile, the walls are adorned with polka dots, shelves are filled with unique homewares and gifts while the clothing racks are lined with brightly coloured vintage inspired garments with bold prints. The sisters are very fond of retro style clothing and silhouettes; “we are quite partial to 1950s cuts as they look amazing on pretty much everyone!” Ruck Rover is a little gem for the person looking for something with a pinch of fun!

Burlesque Baby

Burlesque-Baby

Burlesque Baby is a pin-up girls dream!  Clothing racks upon clothing racks are lined with everything from retro style dresses reminiscent of the 1940’s and 50’s – polka dots and prints galore. To sexy lingerie and corsets for the Femme Fatale through to kitsch accessories including coconut purses and cat embellished ballet flats.

Burlesque-Baby3

The store is all about providing its customers with  “flirty sophisticated styles for the showgirl within” and needless to say you certainly find yourself transported into another era whilst pursuing the racks filled with rockabilly and retro inspired garments. Burlesque Baby is a must for anyone looking to add instant 1940’s or 50’s glamour into their lives!