Prague is not necessarily known for fashion, but between the history, the monuments and cobbled paths lies a thriving vintage scene, writes Maryam Patel.
The influence of sustainable fashion was clear throughout this city, and as I walked around the bustling streets full of students and tourists I stumbled across many second-hand stores, from high-end designer vintage to more affordable stores.
The importance of sustainable fashion in mainland Europe is to be admired. Not only did I see many vintage fashion stores, but book shops, jewellery boutiques and antique shops. For me, this is something smaller cities like Leicester seem to lack. Within Leicester there is a heavy focus on high-street fashion. Every new store that opens is another variation of a Zara or Primark. Second-hand stores are something which should be more heavily appreciated, especially with the environmental benefits. With the summers we have had and the effects of climate change, the least we can do is try reduce waste on this slowly dying planet.
During my time here I visited stores in the New Town area, a location filled with busy shopping streets and food courts, but between all the tall, colourful streets I found smaller boutiques filled with gems. This area is certainly the strongest for all your shopping needs, if you’re looking for a day out to shop till your bank account is weeping – this was the spot. I visited a two-floor store named Vintage Therapy. For anyone looking for a designer piece to take home, this was the spot. From leather jackets to fur coats, vintage Levi’s denim and retro football t-shirts, they had it all.
Prices ranged from approximately £50-100 per piece, making it more of a luxury purchase for a piece, but sometimes when you find the one you love it’s all worth it. Compared to stores I have visited in Leicester and Nottingham, ones of the same designer level, it was pretty similar. However, for your average thrift shop, definitely on the pricier side.
Another store I visited was Be Vintage, here was where I saw a more European style emerge. I hadn’t ever seen so many leather accessories in one store, which reminded me of the 1920-40s influence of practicality in fashion where there was an increase of leather in daily fashion, within handbags and shoes.
After visiting several boutiques, I began to wonder why Prague has such a special vintage scene. Much of these answers lies in city’s history. Prague’s appreciation for craftsmanship can be traced back to the communist era during 1948-1989, when limited access to Western clothing encouraged people to repair, alter and carefully preserve garments. This restriction increased creativity and the way they would express themselves through clothing changed. Culture in this time showcased craftsmanship and demonstrates the distinctive character of Czech fashion.
The Velvet Revolution in 1989 opened up opportunities and marked more than just a political turning point – it transformed Czech fashion. As the country opened up to global influences, it allowed for independent boutiques and international high street stores. Through this, the pieces from the socialist era gained a new value of importance and today the shopping scene across Prague certainly reflects this unique style.
Across the city the rich architectural history has an influence on the plethora of vintage stores, however, based on my experience in the few days I was there, I found that more stores had modern, westernised fashion pieces.
Although, I expected Prague’s fashion scene to be dominated by European garments, many garments reflected the clear demand for Y2K and streetwear fashion. The popularity of these aesthetics has increased across the media within the past five years especially after lockdown and the fast fashion movement. Many young people, like myself, may feel as though they are able to express themselves better within these styles.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed my window shopping experience through Prague, I will certainly miss wandering the streets and finding a new boutique on every corner and I hope that cities in England adopt this environment. A increase of sustainable fashion, not only makes it a fun hunt for a unique piece, but also gives your fashion statements a new, special meaning with a memory behind it. For fashion enthusiasts, like myself, history lovers and sustainable shoppers alike, Prague is a city where every coat, cardigan or capris explores a new part of history you might not have seen before.
◘ Join Maryam on a guided tour of vintage Prague in this TikTok.