For vintage fashion enthusiasts, Notting Hill remains one of London’s most exciting and rewarding neighbourhoods to visit, for the chance to find some treasures of yesteryear. The area’s romantic streets, colourful terraces and iconic markets provide the perfect setting for hunting for old-world treasures and relics of times long past.
Whether it be delicate Edwardian lace, bold 1980s couture or classic British tweeds, the area has solidified its reputation as the go-to place for vintage treasures in West London. These shops and stalls are scattered everywhere, from Portobello Road to the quieter corners of the neighbourhood, offering not only rare pieces but a thrilling opportunity to see what delights may be unearthed amongst the shelves and hanging racks of each establishment.
Portobello Road Market
Whilst not technically a shop, it would be remiss not to mention the vintage market here, which for many is the heart of Notting Hill’s fashion scene. Beneath the wide iron-and-glass canopy of Portobello Green and among the stalls running down the pavement, traders lay out rails of everything from original Burberry trench coats and Harris tweed jackets, to 1970s leather satchels and silk scarves in vivid Liberty prints. When combined with the pantheon of delicious smells coming from the adjacent food market and the excitable energy of the ever-present crowd, it isn’t hard to see why the charm of the market continues to endure.
The vintage clothing section of Portobello Road Market offers a rotating cast of seasoned traders. From one stall entirely dedicated to 1950s dresses in nipped-waist shapes, to another stacked with beaten biker jackets from the 80s, there is no shortage of items that would draw envy from competing collectors. Portobello Road houses some of the rarest pieces of vintage and retro apparel that one can find anywhere in London, with the cost of some pieces soaring into the thousands. It is very much the cornerstone of Notting Hill’s vintage scene and the first stop for many in their quest to find unique pieces for their wardrobe.
Rellik
On nearby Golborne Road sits Rellik, which as the name may imply, is the kind of boutique that contains a trove of treasures from a bygone era. The minimalist black façade gives way to a well-ordered space that is both intimate and intriguing, with exposed wood flooring softened by a spread of aged Persian rugs, and glass cabinets that gleam under subtle spotlights, showcasing rare accessories and archive pieces. This is a shop where fashion insiders linger, drawn by the mystique of a place that has dressed some of London’s most stylish since its founding.
Rellik’s collection is meticulously curated, comprising the likes of 1990s Vivienne Westwood corsets, hanging beside Comme des Garçons jackets and rare pieces from Alexander McQueen’s early shows. Unlike a market or emporium, everything here feels painstakingly sourced, where the stock tells a story of fashion’s experimental decades. It's the sort of place where fashion icons such as Kate Moss have been spotted browsing and where collectors come not simply to shop, but to marvel.
Found and Vision
Found and Vision is a laid-back boutique with a palpable rock’n’roll aesthetic that stands in sharp contrast to the more polished establishments nearby. The shop’s interior is stripped back, with exposed brick, racks of heavy denim and leather and the musky scent of aged suede in the air. Worn armchairs sit in corners beneath posters of rock icons from Bowie to Blondie, whilst the in-store tunes of vintage punk or glam rock set the mood for serious rummaging.
This is an ideal spot for those hunting for 1970s jumpsuits, flared jeans, and battered biker jackets. The collection leans heavily into 60s and 70s fashion, offering shearling coats, suede boots and sequin party dresses that wouldn’t have looked out of place at Studio 54 or the Chelsea Set. Prices range from accessible to serious investment pieces, but the best thing about Found and Vision is its time capsule quality, which feels like it belongs to another era.
Jane Bourvis
At 282 Portobello Road, the boutique of Jane Bourvis offers something rarely seen in London’s vintage scene and is a departure from everything else on this list. The store almost exclusively harbours an incredible collection of bridal and occasionwear from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, that has all been lovingly restored. The shop itself is an enchanting space, dimly lit and hung with old lace, feathered headpieces, and vintage veils, like a dressmaker’s studio frozen in time. Mannequins in pale silks and beading stand beneath chandeliers, evoking the faded glamour of Edwardian society.
Bourvis’ collection is renowned among brides seeking an alternative to modern wedding dresses, and feels like the store must have enlisted the efforts of a time machine to source some pieces. From delicate Victorian lawn dresses, 1920s drop-waist silk gowns and rare French lace overlays, each item comes codified with its own enchanting origin. Whether once worn at a Parisian ball or tucked away in a country house trunk, the craftsmanship shines through the centuries, creating a truly unique retail experience. Appointments are private and personal, offering clients the rare chance to own something truly timeless on their special day.
One of a Kind Archive
A short walk from the bustle of Portobello Road lies a shop that, in an area not short on vintage treasures, is truly one of a kind. The One of a Kind Archive is a gem for those seeking rare and vintage fashion items. This intimate boutique, known for its collection of curated designer vintage, feels like stepping into an artist’s atelier, with racks thoughtfully arranged by colour and era, whilst garments are perfectly preserved and displayed under soft lighting. The store's team works closely with private collectors, ensuring that each item has a backstory that is as captivating as its design.
What sets One of a Kind apart is a commitment to offering fashion history’s most iconic pieces from every era. 1920s Art Deco-inspired gowns, bold 80s shoulder pads, many of which are sourced directly from fashion archives both in London as well as other continental fashion capitals. With a focus on haute couture and high-end labels, browsers can expect to find Chanel tweed jackets, tuxes from Yves Saint Laurent and vintage Dior dresses, all kept in impeccable condition. It’s a place where true fashion lovers can find not only a piece of clothing but a piece of fashion history.
