Inspired by the famous London street, boasting vintage items to die for, from velvet scrunchies to vintage denim jackets and sparkly moon bags, Portobello Road Vintage is a one-stop shop every fashionista needs in her life. Like FOR REAL. Here´s the low-down on all you need to know:
The backstory:
I think Cape Town was in dire need of a stylish vintage store before Portobello Road Vintage came to the rescue.
Besides being named after the famous London street and inspired - naturally- by all things vintage, the store´s aesthetic and brand are very much the creative brainchild of owner, Jane Banks. Opened in 2012, Portobello Road Vintage originally included a mini café, which allowed customers to browse the vintage items on rack and enjoy a coffee after. The café section was, however closed in 2016, allowing the store to focus and niche itself with regards to its accessories and clothing selections (which the store has an impressive collection of).
The owner of her own fashion label, Janie B, at age 16, self-taught designer and successful business owner, Jane Banks, always had a passion for fashion and all things vintage. Portobello Road Vintage was literally a dream come true for her - and, I must say, for every vintage lovin´ gal too!
When chatting to Jane on just how she does it, she said that the process to building a stand-out brand, loyal customer base and successful business, wasn´t without its share of pitfalls in the past. But by using her creativity, resourcefulness and determination to overcome hard times, Portobello Road Vintage was a success, which has brought inspiration to vintage lovers ever since!
Portobello Road today:
Portobello Road Vintage is based in Kenilworth, Cape Town. Driving past the store, you´re sure to notice its eye-catching exterior with large windows and striking black and pink sign with cursive print. If that´s not enough to draw you in, the mannequin´s posing in gorgeously ensembled looks in the shop´s windows, will be just the teaser needed.
Whether you´re in search of a vintage denim jacket, a crochet one-piece, stylish boots, sunglasses or even a dungaree, the store has got you covered throughout all four seasons of the year! Portobello boasts a variety of vintage items sourced both locally and internationally. If you´d like something with a more modern edge, the store´s range of designer items by owner, Jane Banks (Janie B) as well as other designers from South Africa, are sure to satisfy.
¨We don´t do lookbooks. We source items based on a combination of what´s trending, styles we love, as well as styles we know our customer base will love.¨ - Jane Banks
The process of creating such an awesome range of vintage items, means every girl will feel like she walked into a treasure trove! What´s more, if you´re unsure of how to style the items you´ve found, don´t worry… the lovely ladies working at the store are stylists in their own right, and will be happy to help or offer you advice! :)
So ladies, what are you waiting for? Go check out Portobello Road Vintage and all its got to offer you, it´s sure to leave you a loyal customer and a stylish vintage fashionista!
Stay tuned for my next post, where I'll be doing a Portobello Road Autumn/Winter lookbook shoot x
Jess xoxo
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