Jillian Arcenas is known for a distinctive style that blends creative black layers with a growing collection of caps. As a stylist and the Content and Production Coordinator for Fashion Journal, her wardrobe reflects a commitment to the circular economy. She often walks into the office wearing a top from Issey Miyake’s Pleats Please collection or carrying a pre-loved Balenciaga Day Bag, proving that high-end fashion can be worn daily rather than reserved for special occasions.
Investing in a quality secondhand bag requires a trained eye, something Jillian Arcenas has developed through years of sourcing. Curated by Charbel is a frequent stop for high-quality designer handbags. Although the shop operates as an online store, it hosts regular pop-ups across Australia, offering a chance to examine the leather and hardware in person. The service also includes personal sourcing, which led Arcenas to her beloved Balenciaga Day Bag, a piece that remains a staple in her rotation.
Quality Handbags and Staples
For high-quality staples that bridge the gap between designer and vintage, Arrive Archive is a notable option. The store blends designer labels with thoughtfully sourced vintage items, offering everything from Balenciaga bags to vintage activewear and camo pants. The curation feels easy yet refined, with price points that make it accessible for everyday wear.
Shappere Vintage provides a different kind of experience, drawing in customers with its extensive selection of classic denim. Arcenas credits her Americana-loving boyfriend with introducing her to the Melbourne store, where the variety of washes, cuts, and sizes ensures there is something for everyone.
Related: Australian Fashion Festival details emerge
Curated Collections and Hidden Gems
Shopping does not always have to result in a purchase, and Dot Comme in Melbourne is a space designed for inspiration. The store curates unique archival and runway pieces from labels like Jean Paul Gaultier and Comme des Garçons, inviting visitors to feel fabrics and try on items. It serves as a creative outlet for those who want to browse without the pressure to buy.
For those searching for hidden gems, Chronological Error in Prahran offers a mix of vintage Australian labels and pieces popular on Tumblr. The store’s inventory makes the search as enjoyable as the find, rewarding customers with unique items that stand out from standard vintage stock.
Australia’s vintage scene offers deep cuts for those willing to look beyond the mainstream. For shoppers interested in Japanese labels, the process often begins with identifying key designers like Issey Miyake, Comme Des Garçons, and Yohji Yamamoto. Loomos Studio serves as a primary destination for these brands, operating primarily as an Instagram shop despite being based in Melbourne. The store occasionally hosts in-person pop-ups, allowing customers to interact with the inventory directly.