Walking through Copenhagen makes me feel like I’ve stepped through the glossy pages of an avant-garde Vogue: knitting is the new yoga, grey is the new black – old is the new … new? Consumed by clothes envy, this is the result of a desperate search for places where I can make my wardrobe as unique – and old – as possible.
Time’s Up Vintage
The most carefully curated collection of second-hand finds are at Time’s Up Vintage, but this place is not for the frugal. But if you’re searching for a truly rare piece that speaks for itself, your search is up. Whether it’s a striking hooded cape coat from Yves Saint Laurent in the ‘70s, a classic suede Chanel bag from the ‘80s, or a pair of Vivienne Westwood ‘90s hotpants, this boutique will have it. Jesper Richardy, the shop’s owner, maintains a “Nordic look” while injecting it with “daring high voltage glamour”.
Krystalgade 4, Cph C; open Mon-Thu 11:00-18:00, Fri 11:00-19:00, Sat 10:00-16:00; 3510 6189, www.timesupshop.com
FN92 Vintage
This place is a blast from the past. With dresses dating from 1850, FN92 Vintage is the place for the most intricate and historical ensembles. Owner Pauli Tvilling has collected thousands of dresses, and his past as a tailor lends him the advantage of fixing and adding unique details to much of his collection. You can also find vintage hats, custom-made headbands and original shoes and parasols.
Larsbjørnsstræde 6, Cph K; open Mon-Fri 11:00-18:00, Sat 11:0-16:00; www.fn92shop.com
Vintage Kids Copenhagen
Looking good isn’t reserved for the aged; your young’n can look on-trend and adorable in gingham button-downs and knit jumpers from bygone eras. At Vintage Kids Copenhagen, you can find a collection of kids’ clothes from the ‘40s to the ‘80s for children as young as one and as old as 14. Barbara Bennett, the founder and owner, collects clothes from Holland, Germany, England and elsewhere abroad to ensure Copenhagen’s children look their trendiest.
Enghave Plads 17, Cph V; open Mon, Tue & Thu 11:00-17:00, Fri & Sat 10:00-15:00; www.vintagekids-cph.com
Episode
With shops in Amsterdam, Brussels, London, Utrecht, and Paris, this vintage shop is not unique, but the collection is varied and stylish enough that you soon forget and get lost in the racks upon racks of vintage. Army jackets, leather shorts, silk blouses, fur stoles, leather gloves, Doc Martens, knit sweaters – this two-floor wonderland is guaranteed to have something for everyone.
Larsbjørnsstrœde 8, Cph K; open Mon-Fri 10:00-18:30, Sat 10:00-17:30, first and last Sun of the month 12:00-16:30; 3312 1292, www.episode-online.eu