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High street shopping no longer does it for us. Rummaging through to find a one-of-a-kind retro delight is more appealing than seeing someone on the dancefloor wearing the same Urban Outfitters dress.
When thinking of vintage in Liverpool, a shop window that always wins admiring glances is Raiders Vintage.
Being the largest store of its kind in Liverpool, Raiders is a firm favourite for a diverse range of customers.
From the die hard vintage fanatics, to a girl just wanting the perfect dress for a special night, they have something for everyone at student-friendly prices.
Even the queen of vintage fashion, Alexa Chung has been shopping here, stamping her seal of fashionista approval.
When walking through the doors of the boutique, its not just about the clothes, it’s a real experience of rad antiquity.
The fabulously-dressed owner and antiques expert Kelly Reid has presented the whole shop beautifully.
From the decadent wardrobes to big, comfy grandad-snoring style arm chairs and huge, rococo-esque style mirrors to bits of dainty china placed throughout the two rooms.
But lets get down to the clothes.
It’s a sure fact that vintage clothes shopping can make your arms ache, ferreting through the rails, so the simple, categorized layout of this shop makes the hunt a less stressful.
Kelly thrives on hand selecting all the vintage gems herself so everything is lovingly picked and quality is ensured.
With three large store rooms there is always plenty of replenishments throughout the day to keep your treasure hunt fresh.
Being huge fans of this delightful boutique, Purple Revolver pounced at the chance to have a natter with the self-styled leader of Liverpool vintage Kelly to find out the secrets of her success…
Q: How did you become aware of Vintage fashion ?
It was through my Mum, She was a antiques/vintage shop owner for a long time so I have grown up with it my whole life. Its given me a good idea how the whole vintage fashion world works.
Q: What inspired you to do what you do?
Well I always dreamed on having my own business. I also did jewellery at university in Bristol and as a part of my course I designed bags in my final degree show which were received really well.
I started designing vintage accessories too, it was a good starting point and jewellery is a good inspiration for design. It ended up being popular and it all just snowballed from there.
Q: What does your daily work life in order to keep your shop a success?
I always make sure fresh stock is out that’s up to date and in season. I always try to have a good selection as you don’t know who is going to be coming in. There is such a broad range of customers and ages coming in so you need a good diverse selection.
Also I make sure the staff are polite and friendly to customers. They’re helpful and are able to give customers any advice they need.
Q: When setting up Raiders, what was the process you went through?
I moved back to Liverpool after being in Bristol for quite a long time and heard the Heritage Market was setting up a vintage section so it was a perfect opportunity for me to set up a business and try out the market to see how it was received in the North West.
I wasn’t sure how people would take to second hand clothes at first because there are lots of different types of Liverpool shoppers but luckily vintage became very fashionable and that helped business along a lot. So yeah, my first instinct was market research.
Q: What kind of things do you consider when buying your stock for the shop? Does sizing or the seasons play a part?
It’s not really a case of sizes as sometimes it is a case of just what’s there. Its also not always seasonal either, sometimes you’ll be in the middle of summer and you see an amazing fur coat but you just have to buy it at the time because you don’t know when you’ll come across it again. I don’t tend to buy seasonally. Its about buying distinctively more than anything. I have to think of what will sell.
Q: During the summer, what’s the biggest seller?
Jumpsuits have been really popular! Shorts too, amazingly so this summer.
Q: What’s your most precious vintage item you have ever found?
(Laughter) I have said this a few times in interviews but still my 1920’s hand embroidered komono. Its in my bedroom. The detail in it is just amazing. I love the 1920s. I think its my prize possession. I wouldn’t sell it for lots and lots of money!
Q: When putting an outfit together, what influences/ inspires you?
That’s a difficult one. Kate Moss’ style stands out to me as she wears a lot of vintage, she is a good ambassador for vintage fashion. But, I just try to dress that suits my shape but with my own edge as well. I like quite basic colours and in general I don’t particularly follow anyone’s style.
Q: What’s your favourite thing about Liverpool as a city?
It has a really good Music background. Even though Liverpool has a bit of a bad reputation on outside with the likes of WAGS, Liverpool girls know how to dress and they take a lot of pride in their appearance.
Q: Where do you think fashion is at its best?
Probably Berlin. They dress really well there and are stylish, but I’m biased because they wear a lot of vintage! I just love how they create there own style from putting vintage pieces together. Its so original. Also, London. They are so fashion forward there. The fashions are so diverse, its just interesting to see how people have put there outfits together.
Q: What do you think is the most recent notable trend to appear/reappear, and what are your thoughts on it?
So many! Its hard to choose! Liverpool is very trend led. The hippy vibe is quite strong, especially in the summer with all the festivals. Also the 1950’s is very popular with certain crowds.
Generally the whole vintage look at the moment. The high street is definitely picking up on it. They are designing clothes based on vintage pieces such as the prints and patterns used.
It’s a hard thing to pin point, I don’t think the noughties have really got their own clothing identity. I think its all been about going back and looking over past eras to influence what people wear.
Q: Where do you aim to be in the future with your shop?
I’m not sure at the moment! (laughter). I would like to set up a website soon so I can get it out there, basically so more people can buy. I would eventually like to have another shop, but no plans yet with the recession and things. The internet is definitely the way forward.
Q: What are your three favourite things in the shop at the moment?
This leather jacket remade from vintage leathers. The feel of it is hard to beat. Super light and soft. A gorgeous, pretty pink dress and cool, quirky 1980’s snake skin boots.
Q: Lastly, Could you recommended any other shops to visit in Liverpool?
Lost Art on Bold Street and Retro on Lark Lane.
Lost Art is situated below Doctor Feelgood tattoos. Boys looking for jumpers, tees, trainers, skateboards for great prices- you will find them here. From names like Etnies, Vans or Nike as well as there own range of Lost Art clothing.
There is a real dedication of skateboarder followers here. The selection of vintage clothing there is for boys in Liverpool is limited so here is where you need to be if you like skating and are looking for original style.
Retro on Lark Lane have some really good home interiors. Inexpensive and full of wonderful bargains the store is always packed to the ceiling with vintage delights.
A treasure trove full of vintage lovelies, Raiders Vintage is always stocked seasonally. So wonder down to get your summer floral’s, jumpsuits, ankle boots, harem pants and wax jackets for the festival season and the ever looming chance of rain.
Raiders Vintage breathes refreshing originality at prices that are wont leave you short changed.
Treat yourselves.
38 Renshaw Street Liverpool, United Kingdom, L1 4EF
01517092929
Find them on Facebook. http://tinyurl.com/3ymfm9q