Anyone who visits Amsterdam is bound to be amazed. The city blends the art of Rembrandt and Van Gogh, picturesque canals and coffee shops, sex museums and the famous Red Light District, historic architecture, and cutting-edge contemporary design. Amsterdam has always been home to numerous flea markets, antique shops, and vintage boutiques. However, in recent years, driven by a growing focus on sustainability and the rise of recycling culture, vintage stores have flourished more than ever.
Every day, more and more of these stores appear across the city, and as you walk its streets, it’s often hard to tell the difference between a high-end boutique and a vintage clothing shop. Yet, these are nothing like the second-hand stores commonly found in other cities across Europe and beyond. Instead, they resemble art houses—something akin to apartment museums—where each item is meticulously curated, beautifully displayed, and arranged with an aesthetic touch that creates an irresistible urge to make a purchase.
So what makes Amsterdam’s vintage shops so special?
✔ Aesthetic Appeal
Vintage stores in Amsterdam are designed with great attention to detail, often resembling chic boutiques. At the entrance, you’ll find flower arrangements and cozy chairs, setting the tone for a stylish shopping experience.
✔ Quality and Attention to Detail
Every item in these stores is carefully washed or dry-cleaned, with any imperfections mended. Dresses, skirts, and trousers are neatly pressed and elegantly displayed on individual hangers.
✔ A Unique Atmosphere
The interiors of these shops are as curated as their collections. Wicker chairs, antique furniture, tree branches, live flowers, scarves, wooden structures, and a variety of other decorative elements are carefully arranged to create a distinct artistic ambiance. The creativity of the store designers knows no bounds.
✔ Stories Behind Every Piece
The shop assistants enthusiastically share fascinating (and sometimes even fictional) stories about the origins of each garment, turning shopping into an immersive experience.
And most importantly, vintage shopping is a smart and sustainable alternative to buying expensive new clothes! When comparing prices, customers quickly realize that purchasing a well-crafted, stylish, and unique vintage item is an excellent investment.
Laura Dols – A Signature of Vintage Amsterdam
Our vintage clothing store is the best example of this approach. It is no coincidence that Laura Dols was honored to be featured in CNN’s list of the 100 best cities in the world, recognized as a must-visit spot in Amsterdam!
World’s top 100 cities revealed – and London isn’t in the top 10 | CNN
At Laura Dols, we carefully select each piece, ensuring that our guests and clients experience the joy of discovering and giving new life to vintage treasures. Once you visit us, you’ll become a lifelong customer!
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