What is it?
Ladies and Gents retro fashion emporium
Why is it hot?
Best Vintage is exactly that; a distillery of the decent and interesting pieces out there on the vintage market put together under one roof, taking into account current fashion trends.
The Gents section on the ground floor has every type of checked shirt in the known universe, plus leather jackets, Levis and cords in abundance.
The Ladies on the first floor have a rail stretching the length of one wall full of dresses to mooch through, including a fabulous selection of borderline-vulgar cocktail dresses, plus lots of patterned knits, chintzy shirts, shoes, boots and accessories galore. The jewellery and handbag selections are worth paying extra attention to, these are of high quality in general, and very tasteful.
Bargain or Blowout?
A pleasing mixture of both. Some of the accessories date back to 1920s and considering their well-preservedness you get your money's worth. The amount of time and effort Best Vintage have gone to on your behalf, to scour for these retro gems and collect it together in one shop is reflected in the price also. I spotted a beautiful 30s clutch which needed to have the clasp repaired, and was able to negotiate the price down from £30 to £25 so if you think something is worth bartering for, then do so. Pairs of 80s shoes (if only we knew then that Van Dal footwear would have kitsch appeal in the future....) are on sale for under a tenner, and the bulging rails of dresses, shirts and knitwear are fairly priced depending on their state of repair and wearability.
Target Customer?
Alexa Chung for the clothes, Kelly Osbourne for the clutch bags.
Best Part?
The owner knows his stock inside out and will be able to tell you the provenance of your purchase in most cases. If you have a genuine interest in 20th Century fashions then pick this man's brains, he is a mine of information!
Address: 22 New Market Street, Leeds LS1 6DG
