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Monday 7 September 2009
Helsinki is Full of Vintage Fashion Finds
For those in the know, Helsinki has plenty to offer along the lines of vintage and second-hand shopping. A parade of newly opened second-hand fashion stores and a fair arranged specially for vintage shopping, Helsinki Vintage, are proof that the boom is not going to fizzle out anytime soon.
This retro resurgence has made vintage and second-hand fashion more popular than ever. Helsinki’s downtown neighbourhoods of Punavuori, Kruunuhaka, Töölö and Kallio offer a good selection of vintage stores selling clothing, accessories, furniture and other decorative items.
Shopping second-hand may be considered an ecologically conscious statement, but the newest kids on the block, Vintage Babushka and Green Dress whip out tempting collections that are sure to appeal to your fashion sense, if not to your ethics.
Second-hand shopping for vintage-loving vigilantes
Organized twice a year, the Helsinki Vintage fair welcomes you to a nostalgic journey into bygone eras. The event gathers close to 50 of Finland’s best vintage and second-hand dealers and offers a fascinating variety of goodies from decades, from decor to original vintage fashion items.
The one-day vintage soiree is topped with a styling show, live music with a vintage twist, an exhibition of vintage arcade games such as pinball machines as well as a charming café. The next vintage fair is organized on September 27 at Kaapelitehdas.
For more information, visit www.helsinkivintage.fi
Vintage Fashion Shopping Guide
Here is a list of selected vintage stores in Helsinki.
Vintage Babushka, http://vintagebabushka.com
A newcomer in Helsinki’s shopping scene, Vintage Babushka is run by three young friends with a long-lived passion for quality vintage apparel and accessories. Already with a strong following amongst the hip crowd of the vibrant Punavuori neighbourhood, Vintage Babushka puts out well-selected seasonal collections. This fall’s theme is Back to Black.
Address: Iso Roobertinkatu 42, Opening hours Wed-Fri 14-19, Sat 12-16
Green Dress, www.thegreendress.fi
Opened in spring 2009, the store’s concept mixes high-quality vintage pieces from past seasons, custom-designed clothes made of recycled materials and ethical fashion labels as well as stylist and handbag rental services.
Address: Laivurinkatu 41, Opening hours: Tue-Fri 11-19, Sat 11-16
Ansa, http://vintageansa.blogspot.com
Ansa’s beautifully decorated boutique sells second-hand items from clothes to accessories. The store’s specialty is a selection of children’s clothing. You may find it hard to imagine your little darling in red leather shorts, but they do look awfully adorable!
Address: Fleminginkatu 8, Opening hours: Mon-Fri 12-19, Sat 12-16
Helsinki 10, www.helsinki10.com
In addition to new designer goods, Helsinki 10 also houses a large section with trendy second-hand clothing suited to the season. With items for both women and men, collections include anything from leather jackets to floral dresses. The range of boots on offer is highly recommended.
Address: Eerikinkatu 3, Opening hours: Mon-Fri 11-20, Sat 11-18
Mekkomania, www.mekkomania.fi
Mekko is the Finnish word for dress, and a dress-crazy proprietor runs the cute store located in a corner of the Pinkki Paplari hair salon. Offering carefully chosen frocks from days of yore, particularly from Finnish designers, Mekkomania also carries jewellery, shoes, gloves, bags and the occasional wedding dress from the 1970s.
Address: Mannerheimintie 31, Opening hours: Tue 11-16, Wed-Thu 11-19, Fri 11-15
Play it again, Sam
The 32-year old pioneer of Helsinki’s vintage boutiques is a legend in its own right. Its range includes clothing, evening gowns, shoes, bags, hats, wigs, jewellery and corsets, with the oldest items dating back to the nineteenth century. The shop also has a corner for men’s items.
Address: Rauhankatu 2, Opening hours Mon-Fri 10.30-18, Sat 11-15
Penny Lane Boutique, www.pennylane.fi
Penny Lane is owned and run by a former Miss Finland who worked as a flight attendant for over four decades. The shop offers quality second-hand items and vintage fashion from clothing to accessories. There is a fine selection of vintage ball gowns and formal dresses on the first floor.
Address: Runeberginkatu 37, Opening hours Mon-Fri 12-17, Sat 12-15
For more Information visit
Visit Finland at www.visitfinland.com/au
Visit Finland image bank at www.imagebank.visitfinland.com