Images: Ukay
A new reason to shop on Prospect Road is coming soon, with a vintage designer handbag boutique set to open its doors later this month. Bringing a touch of luxury to Adelaide’s inner north, Ukay, a Filipino term that refers to secondhand or thrifted clothing, is bringing a curated selection of bags and accessories to the neighbourhood.
Ukay comes from the minds of Auralyn and Jackson, a duo with a keen eye for craftsmanship, heritage and style. “This is a little venture that my fiancée and I are doing together,” said Jackson. “I used to own Hand-Me-Down Heat, the vintage store, with another friend. We eventually went our separate ways. Around that time, my fiancée and I also had a child, about a year ago. We started brainstorming what the best scenario would be so she could still see our child a lot, be around at home, but also work and do her own thing. That’s really how the store came about.”
The new store is all about giving iconic designer pieces a second life, offering fashion lovers the chance to shop handbags with character, history and some serious style. “It’s in the same spot where Hand-Me-Down Heat used to be, on Prospect Road across from the cinema, but we’ve completely renovated it. We wanted to bring more of an upmarket, premium feel, especially with handbags being such a focus,” said Jackson. “We’ve put a lot of time and effort into the finishes, with custom lighting, a custom counter, a light box, and other details. We’re aiming for something minimal and clean, but with small elements that add character.”
Already, the team is giving customers a sneak peek at what will be on offer. Lining the shelves are Fendi Baguettes – a bag known as an icon of the late 90s and early 2000s for its easy over-the-shoulder strap and slouchy style. Nylon Prada bags are on offer too. This is a fabric that Miuccia Prada popularised in the mid 80s, and has been a staple of the brand ever since. Joining them are brands like Coach, Dior, Vivienne Westwood and Louis Vuitton, making it the perfect spot to shop for something special. Not just bags, but women’s clothing and accessories will be available. Jackson says the styles will be ever changing, with a small selection of menswear too.
Authenticity is a big deal for the team, and they’re putting in a lot of effort to ensure their customers are getting the very best products. “Handbags are the main focus at the moment. We actually went to Japan in August, specifically to source handbags for the store. We’ve built relationships with trusted sellers over there. In Japan, there’s a strong culture of selling genuine items, but we’re also learning along the way. We’re paying authentic prices and doing our best to authenticate everything. If anything is ever found to be inauthentic, it’s money-back guaranteed. We want to be transparent and do the right thing.”
There are so many benefits to shopping vintage, and with Ukay it’s now easier than ever to do this in person. It gives you a chance to find unique pieces at a great price. But it isn’t just about great style, this type of shopping is also about making smarter, more meaningful choices. Choosing pre-loved fashion extends the life of beautifully made pieces, reducing waste and the environmental impact of fast fashion, while celebrating craftsmanship that can be hard to find today. Most vintage designer handbags have been built to last using high-quality materials. Plus, there’s something undeniably special about owning a piece with a story, one that feels personal, considered and entirely your own.
Ukay will be open from this Sunday, February 8th. You can find them at 4/77 Prospect Road, Prospect!
Ukay
When: From February 8th
Where: 4/77 Prospect Road, Prospect
For more information, click here.
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