For every kid looking for vintage gold in Germany and Austria, there are 10 others planning a weekend trip to the Czech Republic border to pick up fake diamante-encrusted DSquared belts, sparkly Dolce & Gabbana T-shirts and Stephen Sprouse for Louis Vuitton bags.
So the vintage pickings can be good. If you can find them, that is. Berlin and Vienna might boast some amazing zweite hand shops but there’s a whole lot of not wanting to wear other people’s old clothes going on elsewhere.
Hooray for a couple of new online vintage shops that have sprung up to fill the gaps for those stuck in wurst wonderland (and for those internationals who want to plunder the country’s rich fashion heritage). Seriously. Don’t think socks and sandals when you think German fashion, think Largerfeld, ridiculous ‘80s Escada and, of course, sportswear powerhouses Adidas and Puma. Not to mention all of the incredibly cool young labels coming out of Berlin. It’s the new New York, don’t you know?
Das Neue Schwarz
Browsing through this e-shop is kind of like going through your older cousin’s wardrobe when they’re not looking. There’s a little bit of everything, from newer pieces by Dries Van Noten, Missoni, Valentino and Hussein Chalayan to vintage mink jackets, parkas and bags.
Bows and Bandits
Aw how cute is Bows & Bandits? They’ve got floral sundresses, sweet flea market butterfly brooches, snug Austrian knits and sweet clutch bags. Not to mention the warm jackets from puff sleeve blazers to wool coats and biker jackets – not surprising considering the girls behind the store are from a town near the Austrian Alps. They know how to keep you warm inside and out.
FKids
I don’t know what an FKid is and I don’t know why this e-shop’s logo is a little weird. But I do know that Fkids keeps an eye to fashion blogger trends to provide all your gilded bling, denim shirts and silk blouse needs.