The IYKYK guide to vintage shopping in London and NYC

If there’s one profession where it’s probably a good thing to be called a hoarder, it’s being a vintage-goods seller. Costume designers Pranav Sood and Krisna Krishnankutty share a passion for jet-setting across the world, scouting the most unique pre-loved finds for their Mumbai-based vintage outlet Beg Borrow Steal Studio. Says Krishnankutty, “We’re mortals, you know. If we love it, we’ll buy it in the hope that it will resonate with someone else. But if not, we’re happy to keep it for ourselves.”

The Pearl Academy college-mates began Beg Borrow Steal Studio in 2018, first as a costume rental outlet before pivoting to vintage fashion during the COVID-19 pandemic. Says Sood, “We started with a case of vintage jewellery at a small pop-up in Mumbai. The whole case sold out really quickly, and that’s how we realised we were on to something.”

Since then, they’ve quietly built their studio from an Instagram account and a packed-to-the-gills single store in Mumbai to retailing a range of finds—everything from Wedgewood pottery and upcycled Sabyasachi denim jackets to archival Chanel earrings and, our particular favourite, beautiful, micro mosaic-work jewellery from Italy—at multi-designer stores across the country.

Alongside, the two continue their work as costume designers—between them they’ve worked on films like Bajirao Mastani (2015) and Gully Boy (2019) and the Netflix series A Suitable Boy (2020)—which also gives them more opportunities to travel and find the best archival pieces. So, naturally, when it came to putting together our own vintage guide, who else do we ask for the perfect destinations to visit? If you’ve not made travel plans yet, read ahead before booking.

The New York edit

Stella Dallas Living

As costume designers, stepping into Stella Dallas Living in Williamsburg is like entering a time capsule. Whether it’s Victorian lace, 1940s trench coats, or one-of-a-kind scarves, everything here has a story. The variety spans both style and price, which makes the hunt even more rewarding. Some of our most beautiful vintage brooches were bought here.

Tokio7

Tokio7 is a well-known vintage shop in Manhattan’s East Village with a cool, minimalist vibe. It’s been around since 1996 and features a carefully picked selection of pieces from designers like Comme des Garçons, Yohji Yamamoto, Issey Miyake, Rick Owens, Vivienne Westwood, and Chanel. The store stands out for its avant-garde curation, making it a favourite among those who appreciate both Japanese and European designers. Our last find here was a vintage Hermès enamel bangle.

Beacon’s Closet

Beacon’s Closet is one of those vintage spots you can keep coming back to. They’ve got a few locations around the city and each one has its own thing going on. Some are more streetwear-heavy, others feel a little more vintage-glam, but there’s always something fun to dig through. It’s super organised, which makes browsing way easier, and they’ve got a good mix of everyday stuff and cool statement pieces. We’ve found great jackets, fun accessories, and even some unexpected designer pieces!

L Train Vintage

L Train Vintage is a go-to for affordable, no-fuss thrifting. The racks are packed with denim jackets, band tees, and ’90s windbreakers, perfect if you’re into that laid-back, retro vibe. It’s not super curated, but that’s the fun of it. You dig a little and score big. We grabbed some great vintage jackets here. Definitely worth the hunt.

The London list

The Hirst Collection

The Hirst Collection is like walking into the dream jewellery box of someone with seriously good taste. It’s easy to lose track of time here, trying on everything from chunky statement necklaces to delicate Art Deco earrings.

What we love most is that they organise everything into little themed sections. So, whether you’re into more designer stuff, like American jewellery brand Trifari, or if you’re on the lookout for something bridal, there’s always a section that catches your eye.

Retro Woman

You’ll find everything here, from floaty dresses and worn-in leather jackets to quirky hats, costume jewellery, bags, and shoes, all with that perfect vintage character. One thing we love about this place is the way their pricing works: the longer an item sits on the rack, the cheaper it becomes. It adds a fun little game to shopping: do you grab it now or risk it disappearing while you wait for a better deal? It’s a great spot if you’re into vintage that feels both wearable and full of personality.

Brick Lane Vintage Market

This is not just one store; it’s a whole underground space packed with tons of small vendors, each with their own style. What makes it extra special is how focused some of the vendors are. One might specialise in vintage Burberry, another in Westwood, and another in rare Japanese designers. It’s a dream if you’re into specific labels or just want to discover something new. And because it’s all in one space, you don’t have to run around the city hopping from shop to shop; it’s all there, under one roof. Once you’re done and need to refuel, make sure to visit Buns from Home, which is this really yummy croissant-type thing with fillings. It’s our favourite mid-shopping snack.