Thanks to changing mentality, vintage fashion is gaining popularity in Singapore.
The Oppt Shop, a vintage shop at The Hereen, has reported a 30% jump in sales so far this year.

Stephanie Chiew, co-owner of The Oppt Shop, said: "When we first started, I remember there was this customer who just walked into the shop. When she asked for a second piece, chances are very high she doesn't know these are pre-used or pre-loved, as we call them. So we told her that. Then, she just dropped the whole piece and she just walked out. People now are accepting it more because they know they can find more quality stuff in an old piece."

Advertising executive Adrianna Yue is one of those who embrace such hand-me-down outfits.

And vintage shop owners love her.

The reason?

She only ever wears a vintage dress once.

Adrianna said: "Most of my friends are into vintage dressing as well and they do try to borrow my dresses if they want to go out and party. And this blue dress as well, you can see Elizabeth Hurley wearing this in Austin Powers. So, yeah, it's pretty authentic."

Thanks to women like her, even online vintage stores are selling more of grandma's favourite things.

15 years of travelling, plus a passion for vintage items, drive Tan Soon Leng to run her online business.

According to her, these dresses are deadstock, meaning they have never been worn before.

And business is better than ever.

"There is an increase in browsing traffic and this is actually a very positive sign. In fact, my sales have gone up a little bit, maybe by five to 10% over the last year," said Ms Tan, owner of www.curiosity-corner.com.sg.

Positive signs are also experienced at the vintage shop at Granny's Day Out at Peninsular Plaza where a new crowd is emerging.

"These days, we're seeing a lot of new customers, people who have never been exposed to vintage before but who are curious and asking questions and being more experimental with fashion, and they are learning. So that's a good sign," said Hsiao Ying, owner of Granny's Day Out.

But how do you separate cool vintage from plain old junk?

Ms Tan Soon Leng said: "I remember seeing a sign outside an antique shop which says 'We buy junk and sell antiques'. So what it goes to show is that what is not wanted by you, may be something wanted by another person." - CNA/ir