Rellik Vintage on the 1970s, the Art of Sourcing, and Timeless Fashion

Words & Styling: Katy Cutbirth | Photos: Olivia Ezechukwu | Makeup: Saint Marettto | Hair: Francesca Cardona | Model: Domin Chong

Make it stand out

Our second London vintage shop feature takes us to West London’s Rellik, an institution that has been shaping the city’s vintage scene since 1999. Founder Fiona has curated an extraordinary collection of rare clothing and accessories spanning the 1960s to the present day. Inside, you’ll find boxes piled high with beautiful hats, gloves and tights alongside Ossie Clark dresses, Chanel suits and countless one-of-a-kind pieces from labels even the most dedicated fashion obsessives may not recognise.

I was lucky enough to spend the day exploring Rellik’s archive and pulling my favourite looks for this editorial. We also caught up with Fiona to discuss everything from what catches her eye when shopping for archive pieces to the most memorable treasures she’s uncovered throughout her career!

What was the first vintage piece you fell in love with?

I would say the first vintage item I fell in love with was a 1930s red sequin jacket that I bought at Retro Woman in Notting Hill in the 90s . It was in the window and as soon as I touched it I knew it was old , but it look much more modern . The condition was incredible considering its age . I still own it .

Do you remember your best vintage find? What made it special?

There have been so many great vintage finds , but I would say my favourite was a 70’s velvet printed Roberta di Camerino coat with gold embossed buttons .It was in a charity shop in Bognor Regis up on the wall behind the cash desk . I still own that too , I wore it a few times , but it is a size too big for me .

Which era do you feel most connected to and why?

I would say I feel most connected to the 70s as that was the era I was born into . I have some wonderful photos of my mother in 70’s clothes . I love a 70’s trouser suit .

What's your dream vintage find?

It's the hunt for the vintage find that keeps us going as vintage dealers . Finding something really special that gives you a thrill . I have just been toi the Schiaparelli exhibition which was incredible . I remember finding a jacket by her . It only looked to me like an embellished 40’s jacket , but when  I looked inside it had a Schiaparelli label from her couture house . I once found a Charles Worth dress too in a charity shop . Again the label was inside . It was a black 30’s dress , from a later time of the house .

What's the most unexpected place you've sourced from?

You can source from anywhere, it all in the looking . I remember during Covid I went out for a takeaway and the owners had made a pop up store in the front where the dining used to be . I bought some great Comme hats and other pieces .

Which fashion decade do you think is the most underrated?

I think the 20’s are underrated . I was a time of change , between wars with great industrialisation and woman’s independence. The clothes suddenly were relaxed and gave woman a real sense of freedom . Chanel easily a big part of that .

What's a vintage trend you're hoping makes a comeback?

I hope ties make a comeback . They are so beautiful and really make a look .

Do you prefer archival designer or unknown labels?

I love an unknown vintage piece over archival . There are so many wonderful pieces out there that we don’t know about .

Have you ever regretted letting a piece go?

I never look back . I had a great John Flett dress that I bought in the late 80’s  and a gorgeous John Galliano coat that I wore a lot when I was in Paris in the early 90s .

Which city do you think has the best vintage scene?

I would say London , New York  and LA have a great vintage scene , all quite different .

What fabric or detail do you always look out for when sourcing?

I always look for natural fabrics like wool , linen , cotton and silk . It’s a sign of quality and craftsmanship .

What's the story behind the most valuable piece you've ever sourced?

I once bought a mesh printed top from someone who brought it to the shop with other clothes . She insisted it was a John Paul Gaultier top , but I asked her if it was a Margiela .Turns out it was the top from his first collection which H & M used in their collaboration . It was the tattoo top from S/S 1989.

How has your eye for vintage evolved over time?

My eye has improved because of my knowledge I have amassed over my 30 years of buying . When I started I didn’t know anything about vintage , but you quickly learn if it’s a passion .

What makes a piece feel timeless rather than trend driven?

It is hard to say what makes a piece timeless , really I'd say is wearability . If it still looks great after 70 years . I would say Schiaparelli is a great example of this ., her pieces are timeless .