The host of The Run-Through with Vogue podcast and the recently named editorial director of British Vogue, Nnadi has traversed the globe in search of vintage fashion and pieces from up-and-coming designers. These stores are some of her prized finds.
Less“I’m a diehard vintage fashion lover, and James Veloria is hands down my favorite vintage store in New York (and maybe the world?). Co-owners Brandon Giordano and Collin Weber both have a fantastic eye for ’90s and early-’00s fashion finds, and they curate the racks with hard-to-find Jean Paul Gaultier, Versace, and Comme des Garçons, among other designers. Most of all, I love the humor and joy they bring to the store—it’s a literal funhouse. Plus, everyone who works there has killer style.”
“I like to make whipped shea butter with essential oils in my spare time (always a crowd-pleaser when it comes to holiday gifting), and Enfleurage in New York is a one-stop shop for botanical oils. If you’re not into mixing your own, try their blended creams and shower gels—the Citrus Cheer scent is particularly refreshing. The White Flowers Pommade, made with organic gardenia, tuberose, and jasmine flowers in a coconut and jojoba oil base, smells exquisite and feels great on the skin.”
“People often ask me about my favorite vintage stores in Paris, and Thanx God I’m a V.I.P. is always top of my list. I mean, the name alone! Though it’s relatively big, it’s hyper-organized by color, with one store for men’s and another for women’s. Be sure to check out the vitrines at the front with the extra-special stuff: vintage Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent. It’s the one store I visit when I’m in town for fashion week.”
"I discovered the Lotte, Ghana’s biggest concept store, on a work trip to Accra. Not only does it house collections from some of the most promising African designers—Thebe Magugu, Torlowei, Loza Maleombho, and more—but there are also great African beauty brands to be found here too. Skin Gourmet is a local brand that’s made in small batches and good enough to eat. Leave room in your suitcase for their cacao and wild honey body butter."
“There is a thriving fashion scene in Lagos, and Alára is truly at the center of it all. You’ll find all the best local designers, including Kenneth Ize and WAFFLESNCREAM, under one roof, plus a great selection of fashion finds from around the world. Boutique owner Reni Folawiyo has exceptional taste in pretty much everything; there’s a restaurant at the David Adjaye–designed store serving modern West African cuisine, so it’s well worth staying for lunch or dinner.”
“Situated on the famous Rue Yves Saint Laurent in Marrakech, Moro is a modern treasure trove for Moroccan fashion and design. I’m a sucker for great ceramics, and their hand-painted plates are imbued with the vibrant color palette of the city. The knitwear is terrific too—I picked up a couple of handmade cardigans from a local brand called A-line. Moro is also home to a boutique hotel and restaurant. Consider booking a room there; they’re as beautifully decorated as the store.”
“When it comes to vintage clothing shops, Rellik is something of a London institution. The likes of Kate Moss were famous for shopping here in the early aughts, and the store still has a reputation for having the best archival fashion in town. You’ll find all the British stalwarts—Galliano, Westwood, McQueen—plus an interesting collection of Japanese designer collectibles. It’s worth stopping for a pastéis de nata pastry at one of the many great Portuguese bakeries further up on Golborne road.”
“As a teenager, I spent every weekend shopping the vintage markets of London—mostly Portobello and Spitalfields. Even though it’s actually really close to where I grew up, Alfies is a place I discovered as an adult, thanks to my colleague Lynn Yaeger, who is an intrepid antique shopper. The antique jewelry here is the main event. The café on the top floor is super charming and serves my favorite British treat: scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam.”
“I’ve been to five out of the seven Dover Street Markets in the world, and London is still my favorite. (Well, I might be a bit biased…) There are five floors of fashion to cover, so I suggest starting at the top with the baked goods at Rose Bakery (you’ll need the energy, trust me!). There’s always an excellent edit of the latest collections—Alaïa, Balenciaga, you name it, it’s here!—as well as newer names. In the basement, you’ll find young Brits like Chopova Lowena and Charlotte Knowles.”