Helsinki is Full of Vintage Fashion Finds

Attention Fashionistas

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. September 21, 2009

22 SEPTEMBER 2009 - The current retro resurgence and focus on eco-consciousness have made vintage and second-hand fashion more popular than ever in stylish Helsinki. The city's downtown neighborhoods of Punavuori, Kruunuhaka, T"o"ol"o and Kallio offer a wide range of vintage stores selling clothing, accessories, furniture and other decorative items.

Furthering this shopping passion, the twice-yearly Helsinki Vintage Fair gathers close to 50 of Finland's best vintage and second-hand dealers of decor to original vintage fashion items. Each fair features a fashion show, live retro music, an exhibition of vintage arcade games and a caf'e. The next vintage fair is scheduled for September 27 at Kaapelitehdas.

For more information, visit www.helsinkivintage.fi

Vintage Fashion Shopping Guide - Here is a list of selected vintage stores in Helsinki.

Vintage Babushka, http://vintagebabushka.com

A newcomer in Helsinki's shopping scene, Vintage Babushka is run by three friends with a passion for quality vintage apparel and accessories. Already a favorite among the hipsters of the vibrant Punavuori neighborhood, Vintage Babushka showcases well-selected seasonal collections. This fall's theme is Back to Black.

Address: Iso Roobertinkatu 42, Wed-Fri 2-7pm, Sat 12-4pm

Green Dress, www.thegreendress.fi

Opened spring 2009, the store's concept mixes high-quality vintage pieces, custom-designed clothes made of recycled materials and ethical fashion labels, plus stylist and handbag rental services.

Address: Laivurinkatu 41, Tue-Fri 11am-7pm Sat 11am-4pm

Ansa, http://vintageansa.blogspot.com

Ansa's beautifully decorated boutique sells second-hand items from clothes to accessories. The store's specialty is children's clothing.

Address: Fleminginkatu 8, Mon-Fri 12-7pm, Sat 12-4pm

Helsinki 10, www.helsinki10.com

In addition to new designer goods, Helsinki 10 offers trendy second-hand clothing suited to the season. With items for both women and men, collections include anything from leather jackets to floral dresses.

Address: Eerikinkatu 3, Mon-Fri 11am-8pm, Sat 11am-6pm

Mekkomania, www.mekkomania.fi

Offering carefully chosen dresses (mekka) from days past, particularly from Finnish designers, Mekkomania also carries jewelery, shoes, gloves, bags and wedding dresses from the 70s.

Address: Mannerheimintie 31, Tue 11am-4pm, Wed-Thu 11am-7pm, Fri 11am-3pm

Play it again, Sam

The 32-year old pioneer of Helsinki's vintage boutiques is a legend in its own right. The store features clothing, evening gowns, shoes, bags, hats, wigs, jewelry and corsets, with some items dating back to the 1800s. The shop also has a corner for men's items.

Address: Rauhankatu 2, Mon-Fri 10.30am-6pm, Sat 11am-3pm

Penny Lane Boutique, www.pennylane.fi

Penny Lane is owned and run by a former Miss Finland who worked as a flight attendant for over four decades. The shop offers quality second-hand and vintage clothing and accessories including a selection of vintage ball gowns and formal dresses.

Address: Runeberginkatu 37, Mon-Fri 12-5pm, Sat 12-3pm

For more information:

Visit Finland, see www.visitfinland.com

Visit Finland image bank, see www.imagebank.visitfinland.com