Not Just Another Vintage Store: Parties, Editing, and More at Nostalgia

Beijing's constantly changing vintage scene is wearing on me. “Old” is nothing new. Western-style vintage shops have multiplied all over Gulou and surrounding areas like an epidemic, to the point where I no longer get butterflies in my stomach upon seeing a retro woolen sweater or a ’90s abstract pop art patterned blouse.

That said, a trip to any one of the cheaply-priced second hand stores on Zhangzizhonglu usually does the trick when I want to update my wardrobe with quirky, outdated button-downs, but one ambitious design student might change all that.

In April, Chen Yi Lin opened Nostalgia, a shop that’s not just for buying old-school frocks, but for learning how to edit them. Located on Andingmen Nei Da Jie, far enough away from the saturated Gulou streets that it stands out despite its narrow entryway, Nostalgia is spacious enough for not only one of the largest selections of vintage wear, but a project space in the back. Chen and her business partner Er Duo Liang aim to offer fellow vintage fiends a one-stop-shop for customized tailoring, editing workshops, clothing swaps and even the occasional party.

You know something is afoot in the fashion community when the bar comes to the clothing store instead of the other way around. Dada, Temple and Jam Bar were all known to throw vintage fairs and clothing swaps, but now, Nostalgia has the potential to become the new hot spot.

The owners collaborated with Dragon House Vintage on Gulou Dong Dajie for some of the items in their space, so expect to find their signature ’80s nylon ski jackets, large winter coat selection and special discounts on items, including a zone of out-of-season clothing for RMB 50. Customers who spend at least RMB 2,000 in one purchase are eligible to become “VIPs” and receive a 10 percent discount on any item in the store. It’s a pretty good deal, considering that most of Nostalgia’s stock is imported from France and the UK, with a selection of shoes from Italy.

If you’ve never tried to pull off vintage clothing before, Chen is often on hand at the shop and can give style and pairing suggestions. One look at her own outfits is enough to take her word. Inspired by Bu Kewen, a stylist for Chinese celebrities like Fan Bing Bing, Chen is all about creativity. “I only wear basics, or underwear, from fast fashion brands,” she admits. “My outfits are always my own work or vintage clothing.”

Nostalgia
Daily 11am-11pm. 161 Andingmen Nei Dajie, Dongcheng District
东城区，安定门内大街161号 (189 1053 7410)

Photos: Mitchell Pe Masilun