Alongside uncovering Calvin Klein Collection’s new direction at NYFW, our Big Apple journey took us to the spots where true New Yorkers thrift
Ah, New York City.
There’s nothing quite like the Big Apple. It is often described as the greatest city on earth, at least according to those who call it home. From New York Fashion Week to the everyday street style, the city is undoubtedly one of the fashion capitals of the world.
At the recently concluded New York Fashion Week for Autumn-Winter 2025/26, you could feel the buzz in the air. There’s always something special about this place—and this season, several designers truly stood out. For instance, Hillary Taymour’s Collina Strada showcased a beautiful celebration of sustainability and individuality, embracing diversity in the most thoughtful way. Meanwhile, the Calvin Klein Collection, under Veronica Leoni’s direction, returned to the runway with clean, minimalist silhouettes. Over at Khaite, it was all about effortless sophistication, while Diotima, led by Istituto Marangoni alumna Rachel Scott, celebrated femininity through rich textures, crystals, and playful fringing, paying homage to Caribbean craftsmanship. Then there was Luar by Raul Lopez, who mixed streetwear and high fashion with sharp, expressive designs, capturing the brand’s eclectic spirit with pieces that were bold and unapologetically real. Of course, Thom Browne didn’t disappoint either, delivering a collection of bird-inspired motifs and pastel hues that created a striking contrast against the darker tones of the venue.
Given the excitement surrounding new collections, we also recognise that vintage fashion can be just as captivating (and, as we all know, fashion is cyclical). This got me thinking: where do everyday New Yorkers go to thrift? Much like in any other major city around the world—yes, we see you, Milan and Paris—New York’s streets are brimming with vintage and second-hand shops full of hidden treasures, including the occasional gem from a recent catwalk.
In my quest for answers, I reached out to my top fashionista friends from New York to ask them: where exactly they shop for vintage items. They didn’t let me down!
The Niche Shop — Cool Jackets and Charms from the Upper West and East Sides
📍311 E 81st St
📍2206 Broadway, Store 4
Leather jackets, colourful skirts, quirky charms, and even home décor—what more could you want from a vintage shop? You can find all of this and more at The Niche Shop, a premier destination for stylish, high-quality vintage and second-hand clothing in New York.
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Every item in this gorgeous shop is handpicked by the owner, Nichole (@nycnichole), for its mix of quality, style, and personality. The shop also fosters a strong sense of community, collaborating with local small businesses through in-store pop-ups. As they say on their website, it’s a place where “you can connect with others who share your love for sustainability, style, and self-love.”
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Other People’s Clothes — Thrifting through the Eyes of Music and Art
📍150 Marcy Ave, Brooklyn
📍333 Troutman St, Brooklyn
📍885 Woodward Ave, Queens
Art, music, and fashion come together beautifully in Bushwick and Ridgewood. Other People’s Clothes not only offers a unique shopping experience but also encourages socialising and connecting with like-minded people. Delightfully witty and ironic, just scrolling through their Instagram page will make you want to fill your wardrobe with outfits that scream Gen Z.
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OPC is the perfect place to find vintage treasures, especially those inspired by Y2K fashion, alongside the latest designer pieces straight from the catwalk. Can’t make it to their physical locations? Don’t worry! You can shop daily through their Instagram stories or take advantage of their bi-weekly online drops.
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Bedford Vintage — A Stroll through Brooklyn
📍207 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn
Bedford Vintage is a must-visit destination if you find yourself in Brooklyn. Packed with Y2K pieces, accessories, and more, this store offers a rare selection of items that seem to have jumped straight from your favourite fashion TikTok into real life.
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The shop not only invites you to browse its many distinctive pieces but also hosts a variety of workshops where you can meet like-minded people. From collage-making to bracelet-making, this is the perfect place to engage creatively.
Tired Thrift — A Curated Selection of Vintage 90s and 00s Finds
📍10 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn
Tired Thrift is another fantastic option if you want to look like you were born and raised in New York City. Curated by NYC natives Lediona and Elona, the shop was founded in response to the monotony of fast fashion retailers.
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Their website states: “Not only is fast fashion toxic for the environment, but it crushes creativity and limits self-expression with redundant clothing styles.” Lediona and Elona analyse current trends and seek authentic pieces from the decades that inspire today’s styles. Tired Thrift is the ideal destination for unique finds from the 90s and 00s.
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If your Pinterest board is filled with pictures of 90s celebrities, Tired Thrift is the place to go.
Funny Pretty Nice — Rare and Unique Pieces from Around the World
📍64 MacDougal Street
📍56 Bogart Street
Looking for elegance? Luxury? Rare finds that will leave even the most devoted fashionista in awe? Then, head to one of Funny Pretty Nice’s two locations.
Founded by Natalia Spotts in 2019 from her apartment, the store aims to raise awareness about sustainability and share Spott’s love for vintage clothing, all while promoting circular fashion.
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Funny Pretty Nice features a carefully curated selection of incredible finds that exude pure elegance.
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Whether you’re on the lookout for that one-of-a-kind leather jacket, a trendy approved Y2K top that resonates with Gen Z, or a necklace that practically screams, “Yes, I do brunch in Brooklyn,” New York’s second-hand scene has got you covered.
Constanza Coscia
Professor, Editor and Alumna