Bang Bang Vintage has recently opened on the first floor of REXKL (Photo: Aireena Azni/ The Edge)
They say one man’s trash is another man’s treasure, a statement that is perhaps most true when referring to the act of thrifting, or shopping for second-hand goods. This is by no means a new trend, but it was only in recent years that the topic gained massive traction on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
Thrifting is particularly popular among Gen Z, a phenomenon consulting firm Deloitte attributes to the Great Recession from 2007 to 2009. Adopting the frugal mindsets of their parents, today’s twentysomethings — many of whom are also passionate about the environment and reducing waste — have resorted to more economical approaches to partake of the global fashion scene.
While youth make up the majority of the modern thrifting population, individuals from all walks of life now have greater access to the practice because of rapid digitalisation and the emergence of sites such as eBay, Facebook Marketplace and Depop. Some independent resellers run their business on Instagram or their own websites, curating everything from pre-owned basics to ultra-rare vintage pieces — putting these literally at our fingertips.
Nevertheless, nothing compares to the anticipation of physically setting foot in a store, never knowing when you will hit gold and discover the find of a lifetime. So, whether you are on the prowl for a vintage designer purse or quality basics that will transcend all seasons, here are five shops — selected for their meticulous curation, quality goods and aesthetically pleasing interiors — around the city to satiate your craving for sustainable retail therapy.
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Occupying a walk-up unit on the second floor of a shophouse, Okgo Store is a spot every local thrifter has been to at least once, if not multiple times. Set up in 2017, the husband-and-wife-run business started out by selling clothes on Instagram before opening its first offline location at 19 USJ City Mall and eventually putting down roots at its current home in Subang Jaya’s SS18.
While the store is well known on the pre-loved scene, it is particularly favoured by students and young adults for its reasonable pricing, convenient location and premium streetwear pickings, mostly sourced from Japan and the US. Here, items like utility vests, graphic tees, baggy cargo trousers and corduroy pieces are staples, with wanted brands such as Carthartt and Dickies making frequent appearances. Those looking to achieve that Americana look should check out the varsity jackets and may even be lucky enough to score a pair of nifty sneakers.
Okgo commonly collaborates with local creatives and freelancers to produce unique projects that advocate for a more circular fashion industry and slower consumption. The most recent output was a collection of reworked and upcycled outfits, produced with Phil’s Pizza. Comprising 16 outfits, it breathed new life into old wearables, showing audiences how even the plainest things can be refreshed and made beautiful again.
17A, First Floor, Jalan SS18/1B, Subang Jaya. Tues to Sat: Noon to 9pm; Sun: Noon to 5pm. Closed on Mondays.
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Avid thrifters may already be familiar with Bang Bang Vintage’s original outlet in the heart of Bukit Bintang, where the curator gained online fame for its eccentric collection of true vintage clothing and pre-loved curios. Those who have swung by and adored their experience there, or refrained from visiting that side of town to avoid the round-the-clock heavy traffic, will be happy to know that a second store has recently opened on the first floor of REXKL.
Though much smaller than its predecessor, the new boutique (which sits right outside the building’s immersive digital art gallery REXPERIENCE) carries a comprehensive assortment of basic items such as slip dresses, cardigans and blouses. More exciting, however, is the unique gems you are unlikely to find copies of anywhere else. From a denim jacket with golden embroidery and fur collar to a flapper-style dress with swaying fringe, the store’s offerings cover all occasions, be it errand days or themed dress-up parties.
Accessories are not to be forgotten here. Embellished belts and bangs in all shapes and sizes add the finishing touch to any ensemble, and a glass case containing vintage brooches, earrings and ropes of pearls is an irresistible temptation for anyone with a love of shiny things. Leather gloves, chiffon shawls, colourful baseball caps and a diverse array of shoes are also available.
REXKL, 80 Jalan Sultan, City Centre, Kuala Lumpur. Open daily: Noon to 9pm.
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Founded by Adani Bakhtiar, Emma Khoo and Bay Doucet in 2021, Looop has managed to build a strong presence on Instagram, with more than 16,000 followers (and counting). A year into its operation, the trio opened a physical store in Taman Tun Dr Ismail, KL, before eventually moving to a new outlet in Damansara Kim last month.
As a platform that helps to market and sell pre-loved pieces, this consignment-based thrift shop has been making full use of the photo and video sharing app to produce eye-catching content, showcasing its latest products as well as styling inspiration for shoppers.
With items priced from as low as RM10 to above RM200, customers can expect a variety of clothes — arranged according to colour, type and size — and accessories such as handbags and shoes for different occasions, styles and personalities. While there is a slew of vintage and modern options for women, the choices for men are rather limited.
These carefully picked finds will be held by the team for eight weeks. If they are not sold within that time frame, the owners can either take back or donate them to non-governmental organisations and other upcycling projects through the Looop for Goood initiative.
Big on preserving the longevity of a product, the founders made sure to bring along their treasured furniture — a yellow and blue fibreglass table set that used to enliven their previous outlet — to the new place. It continues to be the heart of the shop, where customers can wait while their friends or family members leisurely browse through the racks.
73A Jalan SS 20/11, Damansara Kim, Petaling Jaya. Tues to Fri: 2pm to 9pm; Sat and Sun: Noon to 7pm. Closed on Mondays.
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Taman Paramount in Petaling Jaya was not always the bustling dining and culture hotspot it is today. But as the once quiet neighbourhood grew to encompass cafés, creative spaces and, of course, clothing stores primarily along the Jalan 20/13 block, it transformed into a go-to spot for the city’s cool kids.
From far away, the white brick façade and plain black signage of Fifth may not draw much attention. However, as you get closer, the vibrant entryway decorated with stickers, posters and a big pink heart-shaped sculpture beside the large pivot door serves as a prelude to the quirky, playful treasures that lie inside.
While perhaps not immediately obvious to first-timers, the store’s rack after rack of clothes and display tables are carefully categorised and laid out for seamless browsing. Towards the front of the shop, womenswear and accessories as well as dedicated nooks stocking local indie brands GhostBoy, Weiweiwei and Money Wang await. A short wooden flight of stairs leads up to a loft that gives you a bird’s-eye view of the space and displays a trove of graphic tees in an array of colours. More masculine styles, shoes and outerwear can be found towards the back, right beside the corner for higher-end items and the changing rooms.
Shopping is a sport in its own right, so those who are easily peckish or require a nearby spot to contemplate their purchases are lucky as One Half x ilaika and bröom Artisan Bakery are right next door.
23 Jalan 20/13, Taman Paramount, PJ. Tues to Fri: 1pm to 9pm; Sat and Sun: Noon to 9pm. Closed on Mondays.
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Boasting more than 1,000 pre-loved designer goods in its inventory, Dexury Atelier carries sought-after selections from stalwarts such as Chanel, Hermès, Dior, Gucci, Prada, Bottega Veneta and Loro Piana. Expect to find firm favourites like vintage bags produced in the early 2000s or those that are no longer available on the market. If luck is on your side, you may come across as-good-as-new pieces at highly discounted prices.
These products are neatly showcased on tiered shelves and placed in sections according to their brands. For smaller accessories such as clutches, wallets, cardholders, key rings and twillies, patrons can find them on counters set in the heart of the boutique. Be sure to make your way to a secluded corner in a room at the back to check out value-for-money items.
Located in Taman Tun Dr Ismail, KL — a five-minute walk from the MRT station — the new Dexury Atelier showroom has been nicely done up to offer a distinctive second-hand shopping experience. Spacious and easy to navigate, the tidy configuration allows customers to move from one end to the other easily, while the open concept means they can touch or try on the handbags without feeling restricted. The monochromatic interior is well thought out as it puts the spotlight on the colourful offerings, besides adding a sophisticated and sumptuous touch to the store.
26-2 Jalan Wan Kadir 4, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, KL. Open daily: 11.30am to 7.30pm.
This article first appeared on Sept 16, 2024 in The Edge Malaysia.
