Cathay Members’ Choice Awards 2024: Asia’s must-shop vintage

Welcome to the Cathay Members’ Choice Awards: our flagship awards which celebrate everything that makes the world so amazing – as voted for by you, our global community of members. Discover the winner that captured your hearts – and your votes – as well as the contenders that made it to the shortlist. 

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Winner: New York Joe, Tokyo

Vintage shoppers flock from far and wide to make the pilgrimage to Tokyo’s Shimokitazawa, a trendy enclave packed with shops selling near-mint condition pre-loved luxury goods. One neighbourhood stalwart is New York Joe , a popular store in a former bath house known for its eclectic and affordable inventory, from vintage streetwear and leather jackets to Hermès scarves and rare Japanese designers. Try to visit the first Sunday of the month, when everything is half off.  

Myeong-dong Vintage, Seoul 

This low-key second-hand boutique in Seoul’s Myeong-dong shopping district is a treasure trove for those willing to scour the racks and bins. You'll find an eclectic mix of labels here, from fast fashion and hipster-favoured streetwear like Carhartt to high-end designer luxury goods. For the budget-conscious, certain sections of the store charge by weight (2,500 won or HK$14 per 100g), and the more you buy, the bigger the discounts.

The Née Vintage Store, Singapore

Rare designer handbags line the shelves at The Née Vintage Store , an impossibly cool vintage accessories boutique tucked away inside a heritage shophouse in Singapore’s trendy Chinatown. It’s where the city’s most discerning fashionistas head to pick up hard-to-find and out-of-production classic luxury goods – think Dior Saddle bags and Fendi Baguettes, Gucci watches and Chanel pearl earrings, and an array of vintage hair accessories, eyewear and leather goods.  

Looop, Kuala Lumpur

This charming consignment shop in Kuala Lumpur specialises in curating unique, pre-loved pieces with an emphasis on local designers. Though they avoid high-end luxury goods like Chanel or Prada because they’re tricky to authenticate, the boutique’s style is still on point. Bargain-hunters will love the colour-coded discount system for items on the rack longer than five weeks. Just be sure to double-check their address; Looop is planning to move into a new space soon.

Hula, Hong Kong SAR

Founded by a graduate of the prestigious Central Saint Martins in London, Hula started as an online store before expanding into two brick-and-mortar shops in Hong Kong. The designer consignment platform quickly set itself apart with an impeccably curated trove of hard-to-find gems. Pop into the Hula boutique on Hollywood Road while in Central or venture out to the more spacious “warehouse” location in Quarry Bay to see what you find.