A guide to retro clothing boutiques in the lanes

Frilly collars, pleated skirts, pearls and gloves, wearing fashion trends which existed way before 2023 is still pretty trendy. With Goodwood Revival coming up, it is the perfect excuse to play the adult game of fancy dress, by dressing from a time which has been and gone and making it new. Brighton is not shy of retro fashion, but for a boutique to make your wardrobe look classy and authentically antique, these are our favourite stores, each with their own character or speciality.

Pretty Eccentric

A luxury womenswear boutique on Bond Street, the vibrancy of Pretty Eccentric is undeniably classy and stylish. With their clothing being at a higher price, this store is potentially best reserved for special occasions. Their pieces consist of cashmere coats and velvet gowns. Their jewellery and accessories look straight out of a gallery or museum, and would make for the perfect gift to a loved one (or yourself!). They also sell stunning embellished heels, masquerade masks and hair bands reminiscent of the twenties to make you look appropriate for the Greatest of Gatsby’s parties.

Lucy & Yak

If extravagant dresses and flamboyant accessories are not quite your go-to, Lucy & Yak is the place to go to for dungarees and jumpsuits. You can find this colourful spot, which regularly also hosts events, on Kensington Gardens. Best sellers consist of a love-heart print cotton jumpsuit, as well as leopard print corduroy and linen two pieces. This store has some modern twists on retro silhouettes and material, allowing functional workwear of the 1940s to be back in trend! Lucy & Yak, with their sustainable and inclusive ethics, epitomise how to revamp vintage fashion, making it cool and current.

Irregular Choice

The store for accessories to make you stand out from the crowd, find this artistic shop on Bond Street. The name, Irregular Choice, says it all, as you will find handbags and shoes unlike any you would usually choose to style. While they also sell sneakers and boots, their strappy, round-toed heels are ideal for completing a vintage style outfit. Be bold with their loud prints and inventive designs which feature everything from big bows, to unicorn patterns, flamingos, mis-match gingham and a whole lot of glitter. Their pieces are bound to make a statement, encouraging customers to bring dress-up into their day to day wardrobe.

Collectif

Dresses with funky prints or slick, minimalistic designs, Collectif stocks in the full range at their London stores and on Brighton’s Bond Street. Swing, tea, pleated, flare, whatever Vintage fit or cut you are looking for, check in at Collectif. They also have t-shirts, trousers and cardigans which are all on theme to suit the fifties and sixties aesthetic so that you can dress vintage in your day way as well as occasionally.

Independent Rag

Arguably the best way to shop vintage, is to shop second-hand. This is the ultimate way to find authentic pieces, and Independent Rag on Sydney Street is no exception to having fabric gems. Dig deep into the rails, and you could find a dainty cami, or silky slip to prove that preloved does not mean worn out. Their outside sale rails offer items of clothing for as cheap as £3, making vintage fashion affordable. Find a statement shirt, or bold blazer to bring back to life at Independent Rag.

Mad Hatters & Friends

The longest standing independent shop in Brighton, Mad Hatters & Friends on Trafalgar Street may provide you with the perfect topper for your vintage outfit. Discover their world of cocktail hats, fascinators, leather caps, pork pie hats, bailets, and other styles of hat you probably have never even heard of, and can no longer find on the high street. Their range truly is a mesmerising curation of every colour and style, which means you are bound to find a hat from every and any decade.

Jump the Gun

This store is renowned for their rejuvenation of mod clothing, nostalgic of men's fashion in the 1960s. Their polo shirts, suits, Harringtons and parkas are super cool, but their pocket squares and scarves will add that little extra to an outfit. You can get some outfit styling inspiration on their website, or browse the store on Sydney Street where the team will help you amplify your wardrobe. Look smart and stylish by shopping at Jump the Gun.

SUMMER HOLIDAY FAMILY FUN AT BRIGHTON & HOVE MUSEUMS

Join Brighton & Hove Museums for a summer of art, culture and family fun across their venues. The Roger Bamber: Out of the Ordinary exhibition continues at Brighton Museum and features many iconic photographs of Brighton, its people and landmarks.

Children aged 5-11 will enjoy the Summer Art Clubs running at both Hove Museum of Creativity and the Booth Museum of Natural History. Older children aged 14+ can take part in the workshops at Hove Museum themed around the exhibition Godai: Japanese Woodcuts.

Escape room experts Pier Pressure continue to take over Preston Manor with their new detective game Clue Company, running across the summer holidays, - fun for all the family.

For more information or to book visit brightonmuseums.org.uk

Brighton & Hove residents can also enjoy reduced admission to the Royal Pavilion & Brighton Museum with up to four accompanying children free of charge and all tickets are now valid for a year.

EXHIBITIONS & DISPLAYS

Roger Bamber: Out of the Ordinary

Continues until Sunday 3 September 2023

BRIGHTON MUSEUM

Free with Brighton Museum admission, members free

This major exhibition celebrates the life and work of popular Brighton based photographer Roger Bamber (1944–2022). He lived in Brighton, and the city and its people feature in many photographs including iconic images of the seafront, the Royal Pavilion and the dramatic Victorian sewers.

Origami workshop: Paper Wings

Thursday 6 July

HOVE MUSEUM

2-4pm £10, members £8, book in advance. Ages 14+

Get creative making origami birds in this workshop. Once you’ve learned how to fold a bird, you’ll be encouraged to experiment with different types of recycled paper (i.e. packaging, sheet music, letters, maps etc.) to create a unique set of birds. During the final part of the session, participants will be shown how to gather their birds into a beautiful hanging mobile.

See the Sea

Saturday 22 July 2023 to Spring 2024

BRIGHTON MUSEUM FINE ART GALLERY

Free with Brighton Museum admission, members free Artists have been inspired by the sea at Brighton & Hove since it was a tiny 16th-century fishing village. This family-friendly display of paintings includes dramatic seascapes and beachside scenes. Sail through romantic seas and skies to views of today’s vibrant seafront.

CHILDREN & FAMILY EVENTS

Clue Company – A Murder Mystery at the Manor

Throughout the summer holidays

PRESTON MANOR

Slots between 10am to 7pm, 60 minutes, groups 4-18, £29pp for teams of 4-5 people, £26pp for teams of 6+. Suitable for age 8+ Book in advance pierpressure.co.uk/escape-room/cluecompany/ Pier Pressure, Brighton’s award-winning escape rooms, presents a new puzzle solving adventure at Preston Manor. Ditch the board game and let the mystery come to life! Immerse yourself in our new openworld, thrilling adventure in a most spectacular setting.

Introduction to Calligraphy with Mari Maeda

Saturday 8 July

HOVE MUSEUM

2–3pm £20, members £18, book in advance. Ages 14+

Enjoy the mindful essence of Japanese brush and ink calligraphy. In this fun and practical session, Mari will explain some of the basics of Japanese calligraphy. From the importance of body posture to the different types of brush strokes, she will guide you to gracefully create the flowing, Japanese characters known as ‘Kanji’.

Block printing inspired by Japanese prints

Sunday 16 July

HOVE MUSEUM

10.15am–12.30pm & 1.30-3.45pm £12.50, members £10, book in advance. Ages 6-9

Create your own incredible Japanese-inspired ‘Kamon’ print in this workshop. 'Kamon' in Japanese translates as ‘family crest’. Discover more about Japanese art, whilst also learning a simple, fun Japanese Woodblock printing technique. All materials provided.

Lantern making workshop

Thursday 27 July

HOVE MUSEUM

2-3.30pm £7, members £5, book in advance. Ages 4+

Make your very own Japanese-inspired paper lantern in this fun family workshop. Lanterns will be illuminated by LED tea lights and all materials will be provided.

Summer Art Club at Hove Museum

Mondays 24 & 31 July, 7, 14 & 21 August

HOVE MUSEUM

10am–12pm & 2–4pm £5, members £4, book in advance. Ages 5-11

Each week we will take inspiration from Hove Museums collection for our summer art & craft workshops.

Summer Art Club at the Booth Museum

Wednesdays 26 July & 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 August

BOOTH MUSEUM

2–4pm £5, members £4, book in advance. Ages 5-11

Each week we will take inspiration from the Booth’s collection for our summer art & craft workshops.

Paint the Sea

Fridays 28 July & 4, 11, 18 & 25 August

BRIGHTON MUSEUM

10am-12pm & 1-3pm Free with Brighton Museum admission, members free. All ages

Come and be inspired by our new exhibition See the Sea and paint a picture in the Fine Art Gallery.

Summer at the Booth Museum

Continues until Wednesday 20 September

BOOTH MUSEUM

Free admission, drop-in during opening hours

This year we are celebrating the seasons at the museum with some pop-up decorations, trails and independent activities to do. Come along and find out more about summertime in the UK and about the mammals you might see around the world on your dream holidays.

Summer wetland adventures