The Gold Coast is the birthplace of some world-class fashion – Dylan Kain, Peony Swimwear, Rhythm and Princess Polly were all born right here. But did you know there’s a thriving scene of Gold Coast vintage shopping to be found, too? You just need to know where to look…
Looking for the best vintage cowboy boots? Look no further than this Tweed Heads treasure trove. Their name is particularly fitting, given that they opened their doors just months into the COVID-19 pandemic – those were strange days indeed. The team specialises in “rock ‘n roll with a touch of Western soul” and are always posting the latest and greatest additions on the ‘gram (@strangedaystore). Even so, we recommend regular visits to ensure you don’t miss out on the perfect denim dress or fringed jacket.
Tucked away above the hustle and bustle of Palm Beach, Gritty Garms is a total oasis for vintage fans. Tees, trousers, accessories and outerwear, you’ll find it all – for guys and girls – at Gritty Garms. With their dedication to unique and rare vintage pieces, you’ll be happy hunting through the racks for hours at a time.
At Mermaid Beach’s Old Soul Vintage, they’re all about pieces that get better with age (just like you). As curators of unique, one-of-a-kind vintage, they’re big on celebrating the beauty and sustainability of vintage fashion. Their line of handcrafted jewellery and accessories is designed on the Gold Coast with durability and style in mind, guaranteeing each piece is here for a good time and a long time.
When it comes to vintage finds, why stop at your wardrobe? Nerang’s Bunker3 delivers the best of bygone decades, not only in terms of fashion, but homewares too. It’s here that you’ll find funky vases atop statement-making desks, right next to vintage film cameras. They really have everything. Their curation focuses on quality, condition and style – basically, you’re always guaranteed to find something you love.
Going to Retrosheila with a list of ‘must buy’ items is a foolish pursuit – you can never predict what you’ll find here. With grass green carpets and shelves of gaudy knick-knacks, this is vintage shopping in its purest form. You’re as likely to leave with a powder blue safari suit as you are with an obscene coffee mug thanks to owner Gregory Pead’s eye for items from the 40s to the 70s. Find Retrosheila at 17 McLean Street, Coolangatta.
The hazy, free-spirited vibes of 1980s Gold Coast are alive and well at Vault Vintage. Combining the best of vintage clothing and surfing/skating culture, their accessories and fashion finds are the definition of cool. Think corduroy carpenter pants, funky button ups and more vintage denim than you can poke a stick at. They predominately cater to guys, but girls can find a few gems there, too.
There are few places you can find 19th century oil paintings of Mermaid Beach for sale beside enormous cougar heads – in fact, we’re willing to bet Gold Coast Antiques is the only one. Run by fifth generation antique curators, they’re the real deal. Their specialties are varied, offering everything from antique porcelain to Sheffield Plate memorabilia.
Melbourne is known as Australia’s (unofficial) Vintage Clothing Capital, but we say Byron Bay gives it a run for its money. When you’re done scouting out the Gold Coast vintage shopping scene, head south of the border to one of these spots…
