The second hand and vintage places in the city by a Parisian living in Zurich.
I love hunting, searching through piles of clothes looking for the right piece and the best deal.
I like fashion.
When I was a student it was the best way to dress with my little pocket money. I loved going to Guerisol, a thrift store and to the famous Saint Ouen flea market at the doors of Paris. Moreover when I was in high school my style was very 70’s, bootcut velvet trousers, suede jacket…
Growing up I wanted to buy more new clothes, at that time second hand was not so trendy. And as a young girl of 18/19 years old I also liked to buy new clothes. I also loved to wear my grandfather’s woolen coat. As it was a bit large for me I remember layering it inside with a vintage aviator leather jacket bought at the St Ouen flea market. I can still picture myself in this coat and leather jacket.
As an adult, I continued to borrow clothes from my family especially from my aunt. She used to work as a seamstress at Christian (not CD😊 another one), a local atelier in the 9th arrondissement. I recall the place and the leather pieces that were there. My aunt was very elegant. I can remember her shoes, in particular this pair of glossy red pump or this taupe / grey ankle boots in smooth leather. As I grew up she gave me a super nice leather skirt and burgundy leather pants. I continue to wear them 20 years later. The quality of the leather is incredible.
My selection of second and vintage shops in Zurich
When I arrived in Zurich 7 years ago, I was a bit depressed by the choice of clothing shops: again H&M, Zara… So I started looking for vintage shops. The first place I found myself was the Burkliplatz flea market: it is not really what I was expecting in terms of price although you can sometimes get a good deal there. Since then I discovered more second hand & vintage whether for clothes or furniture.
I am happy to share my favorite second hand, vintage stores in the city of Zurich. Let me know yours😊
- New New at Schaffhauserplatz, a great selection of clothes, for men, women and kids and even few home accessories
- I also like bric a brac, the ones I love to visit are: Emmaus in Dübendorf, Heilsarmee Brocki at Frau Gerold, Zürcher Brockenhaus near HB
- Martha Flöhmarkt near Langstrasse: great concept. It is not a consignment store. Anyone can rent a rack or a shelf and sell their stuff for a period of one day to several weeks. So you can find different styles at different prices from second fast vintage to designer pieces. They recently opened another shop around Sihlcity.
- Kleihd by Sharealook is a multi-concept space. If they have second-hand, I like their clothes rental. Get access to beautiful dresses without owning them for a special occasion. And it is quite new, you can also swap clothes: give 5 pieces and take 5 pieces.
- Maroni vintage for their high end vintage and designer piece on Badenerstrasse
- Blenda 2 for their vintage and 80’s selection in the oldtown
For those who have kids, I discovered recently Ingrid&Emil, it is an online shop.
I don’t want to push you to go shopping. The most sustainable clothes are the ones in your wardrobe😊 but visiting these places is also an interesting activity as soon the shops are reopening.
You can check out events around you using Facebook for private garage sales.
As a Parisian, I can only suggest on your next visit to Paris to include vintage stores in your cultural visits.
And you, what other vintage / second hand shops, Brocki do you recommend?
S. from Atelierfh