You can trust a shopaholic like myself when I say these boutiques carry exclusive pieces: some vintage, others limited edition & some items that can otherwise be hard to get your hands on. In regards to a merely more sustainable way of shopping, consider purchasing preloved items as the new trend of recycling in fashion.
Whether you’re investing in a vintage coat from the 40’s or in a limited edition Chanel handbag, there is something beautiful in the idea of continuing on the history of quality produced fashion.
For Luxury Handbags & more…
If you appreciate handbags (& collecting them) as much as I do, or Designer Goods in general, then you must visit an exclusive boutique named Vintage Garderobe the next time you find yourself in Vieille Ville. The boutique itself is perfectly located in the Old Town, a two-min walk from St Pierre Cathedral & is a cozy space jam packed with extravagant Designer Goods: truly a dream come true for a handbag fanatic like myself. Vintage Garderobe is known for specialising in Chanel & Hermès accessories, however the store does offer a large variety of Luxury Brands including fine Jewellery. Not all of the items for sale at the store are preloved, as the boutique also offers a great selection of never before worn Designer accessories, that can be difficult to purchase elsewhere. I was personally pleasantly surprised when I went to the store & found they had a mini Bolide for sale (brand new), which were at the time sold out at the official Hermès store in town. If you want to explore a bit of the selection before heading to the store, they don’t have a website but their Instagram & Facebook account serves to show clientele their products.
For Vintage & Haute Couture…
Julia’s Dressing is the place in Geneva (located in the popular & youthful part of Plainpalais) to go if you’re looking for unique & exquisite Vintage clothes. If you find yourself in the need of Haute Couture from the 20’s through to the 90’s; well that’s exactly the vintage era Julia has been collecting clothes & accessories from. Let me tell you; it’s quite an impressive collection of preloved garments and accessories maintained in good condition. It’s a store that can certainly dress you to the nines for any event! Not only does Julia’s Dressing showcase detailed Vintage Haute Couture; you can really shop Vintage for any occasion. There’s even a small section of Never Before Worn Children’s Clothes from the 60’s in perfect condition!
The best thing about it? The clothes were super chic, too! What’s even better about Julia’s Dressing than Julia’s friendly service & passion for Vintage, (which has left her to be an expert on the subject), is that she offers Vintage items in a large price range; ensuring there to be a vintage find in various price ranges. Making it possible for everyone to shop Vintage; encouraging us all to support the recycling trend in fashion. In Julia’s Dressing you’ll find it all & more, as Julia’s got a collection with an incredible story: from fabulous and discreet Dior coats, Lanvin cocktail dresses to divine No Brand silk kimono style jackets. There’s red carpet worthy looks made by Designers who unfortunately have gone out of business; making Julia’s Dressing one of the few places you can acquire such pieces. If you’ve got a particular era or event in mind when shopping, let Julia know as she has got plenty more vintage on stock than she’s able to showcase in her boutique & she’s happy to help! Until September, Julia’s Dressing remains Open Upon Set Appointment, but in case you don’t feel comfortable making an appointment, some of Julia’s vintage archives can be shopped on 1stdibs.
Now, for reinvented Vintage…
Re Concept Design takes a beautiful spin on recycling by producing beautiful garments through reusing Vintage pieces. The designer: Reem Adeeb was born in Geneva & educated in Swiss boarding schools before settling in the South of France. Adeeb is excellent at custom making vintage pieces into new, stylish & unique designs that offer you an exclusive shopping experience, known to few. If you like sporting looks that are rare and limited in production, you should definitely check out Re Concept Design. There is a feminine touch in Adeeb’s use of detail; whether it be lace or embroidery that remains consistent throughout her work. Some of my favorite pieces are the re-invented scarves into hoodies, that are ideal for hot summer days & nights when you’re wanting to wear light materials. What’s great about this concept is that it is taking an old piece of clothing & turning it into something new & fresh; instead of discarding the item.
Photography © Re Concept Design