La's vintage scene: a vogue-approved treasure hunt

Forget Rodeo Drive – true style seekers know the real magic of Los Angeles lies in its sprawling universe of vintage shops. Vogue has just unveiled its definitive guide, a curated directory spotlighting the best secondhand havens the city has to offer, and the intel is, frankly, irresistible. From Hollywood royalty remnants to forgotten runway gems, your sartorial dreams are about to get a serious upgrade.

Decoding the la vintage landscape

The City of Angels has long been a haven for those who appreciate pre-loved treasures, but navigating the sheer volume of thrift stores, consignment shops, and pop-up markets can feel overwhelming. Vogue's list acts as a discerning compass, guiding you toward the most exceptional finds. The possibility of snagging a piece once worn by a silver screen icon? Absolutely real. The ambition to recreate a bygone era? Within reach.

Aralda Vintage, Brynn Jones’s Los Feliz shop, is a particularly compelling destination. It’s like stepping directly onto a 90s catwalk, brimming with pieces that graced Ellen von Unwerth shoots. Expect to find looks previously seen on Naomi Campbell – a testament to the shop’s discerning eye. Recent sightings of its designer pieces—Mugler, Dolce & Gabbana, and Prada—adorned the red carpet and everyday wardrobes of Kendall Jenner, Zendaya, and Ariana Grande only amplify its cachet.

For bridal dreams, Saturn Bridal (a division of Transplant Vintage) created by Laura Laubach is a must. Forget cookie-cutter wedding dresses; here, you’ll discover a trove of vintage ensembles, from classic white gowns to that specific Vera Wang creation from your childhood film fantasies. The selection spans every style imaginable, from mini dresses to full-length gowns.

Arcade Vintage, a brick-and-mortar extension of the beloved A Current Affair market, offers a constantly rotating selection sourced from across the country. Palm Springs caftans sit alongside 40s handbags, ensuring a thrilling element of surprise with each visit. Their online shop provides a convenient alternative, regularly updating with fresh arrivals.

Lily Kaizer’s Happy Isles operates on an appointment-only basis, specializing in bespoke vintage styling for special occasions. The racks overflow with vintage Vera Wang, Oscar de la Renta, and Christian Dior—a veritable dream for those seeking timeless elegance. But don't be fooled by the emphasis on white: Kaizer’s collection also boasts an astonishing array of bold and vibrant gowns and suits.

Robyn Goldberg, a former fashion editor, transformed her passion for vintage craftsmanship into The Kit. This Beverly Boulevard shop focuses on special-occasion dressing, showcasing rare Christian Lacroix pieces and iconic minidresses from Ossie Clark and Mugler. It's a celebration of design heritage.

Lily et Cie, a favorite among A-listers like Margot Robbie and Olivia Rodrigo (who recently wore a 1991 Alaïa dress from the shop for her 21st birthday), curates red-carpet-worthy dresses with museum-level presentation. Founder Rita Watnick, formerly with Van Cleef & Arpels and Valentino, understands the power of presentation, making even window shopping a captivating experience.

For those seeking truly unique pieces, The Paper Bag Princess, helmed by Elizabeth Mason, is the go-to destination. Her clientele includes Victoria Beckham and Lana Del Rey; Mason’s private appointments reveal a trove of 20th and 21st-century designer wares. Her expertise, evident in her two books on vintage, is almost legendary.

The Way We Wore, originally established in San Francisco by Doris Raymond, has become a Hollywood institution. Raymond’s research for films like Evita and Titanic led her to Los Angeles, where she reopened her shop, offering both luxurious finds like Halston gowns and affordable deals on designers like Gucci.

And finally, Timeless Vixen, led by Lauren Lepire, possesses an uncanny ability to source rare Bob Mackie gowns (famously worn by Cher), Courrèges, and Pierre Cardin. A visit feels like rummaging through the wardrobe of an incredibly stylish godmother, with Lepire providing a captivating backstory for each garment—a recent example being the 1998 Hanae Mori haute couture gown worn by Kylie Jenner to the 2024 Golden Globes.

Pechuga Vintage, with Johnny Valencia at the helm, is notorious for sourcing the most elusive vintage treasures – Versace bodysuits, Dior bondage heels, and even the iconic Chanel Hula-Hoop bag. And Cannonball and Tilly, with Laura Kranitz's 30 years of experience, seamlessly blends rockabilly glam and 90s maximalism—a favorite of Vogue's own Emma Specter, who suggests grabbing Ethiopian food at Meals by Genet afterward.

But the hunt doesn't end there. Vogue’s Vintage Market is returning, promising a curated selection of vintage and pre-loved pieces. Tickets are already available, urging vintage enthusiasts to RSVP and contribute to a worthy cause. The resale market is booming, but these curated selections offer an experience that's far richer than scrolling through endless online listings.

The resurgence of vintage isn’t just a trend; it’s a conscious shift towards sustainability and a celebration of enduring style. Los Angeles, with its vibrant history and discerning shoppers, is at the forefront of this movement—and Vogue’s directory is your key to unlocking its treasures.