Back to the future: Vintage Shops

Back to the future: Vintage Shops

Moriah Meeks lounges on antique chairs, dials on rotary phones, flaunts floral skirts and sports Warhol-inspired jewellery as she scours her fave retro-haunts in the city

Walking down Ermou Street is a shopaholic’s fantasia. From global giants like H&M and Zara, down to smaller Greek chains like Achilleas Accessories and Fokas, even the most budget-minded shopper will come away happy. But venture just a little further, into nearby Psyrri and Monastiraki, and a treasure trove of bargains awaits you at some of Athens’ best vintage boutiques.

Hunt for the perfect outfit or retro home-ware find to express your individual style. Browsing is half the fun… Choose from pre-loved European and American collections, with some high-quality vintage items for as little as €10. With the party season just around the corner, why not liven up your party wardrobe with a different outfit every night!

Preloved

This recently relocated shop is settling into its quaint new home off Syntagma Square. Twinkling lights line shelves full of second-hand clothing collected from the cities of Paris and Berlin. Shop owner Joanna King enjoys pairing outfits for her customers and even designs her own vintage-inspired clothing and jewellery. Designs range from Chanel to Andy Warhol – attesting to King’s talent for vintage scouting – and the shop also stocks some rare pieces from the ‘70s and ‘80s.

Retrosexual Vintage Shop

The family behind Retrosexual has been avidly collecting since the 1950s. The result is an enticing hub for merchandise ranging from the ‘20s to the ‘90s. In pristine condition are vintage typewriters, rotary phones, and Polaroid cameras in different colors. Items are available for rent or purchase, and many pieces have been featured in films as props!

3 Aghias Eirinis St., Athens, +30 210.545.1553, www.facebook.com/Retrosexual-Vintage-Shop-JoePe-185558161518618/

Paliosintheies

Every piece has a tale to tell – and another life yet to live – at Paliosintheies. From the eye-catching display of antiques outside, to the couches, desks, and vintage lounge chairs packing the interior. If you don’t act in haste, you might repent at leisure: these well-priced quality items are in high demand. As one of the first vintage shops in Athens, it is well known among thriftseekers as the go-to spot for the best vintage décor.

Protogenous 8, Psyrri, +30 210.656.0574, www.paliosinitheies.gr

Like Yesterday’s

From the outside, Like Yesterday’s resembles just another boutique, but step inside, and you’ll find an unrivalled collection of vintage threads. Scoured mainly from the Unites States, not even the second hand stores of New York City offer such low prices. Vintage treasures like high-waisted jeans, floral print skirts, and handbags are among some of the vast selection. The shop owners clearly want to provide their customers with the best pieces of vintage Athens has to offer.

Like Yesterday’s, Protogenous 16, +30 216.700.4810, www.facebook.com/likeyesterdays2ndhand/

Mofu

Wander inside this second-hand shop and be greeted by a wondrous variety of both vintage and contemporary style home décor and furniture. It feels like you’re in an art gallery! Be tempted by the one-off hanging vintage chandeliers and mirrors, floor lamps, and stunning modern pieces for the perfect “talking point” addition for your home! New items are brought in every month, eternally refreshing the identity of this fabulous shop.

Sarri 28, Psyrri, +30 210.331.1922, www.mofu.gr