Step into Echo Vintage, a hidden gem of vintage jewellery in Joo Chiat

What: Echo Vintage. Nestled among the charming shops and shophouses of Joo Chiat, you’ll find one of the area’s hidden gems: a curated collection of treasures from Europe and Japan, spanning the 1920s to the 1990s. Open since August 2023, it’s a must-see stop for vintage hunters in the area.

Where: 392 Joo Chiat Road, #01-15

Who’s behind it: Meet Echo (she’s all about that one-name vibe), a China-born transplant to Singapore. Though she doesn’t have formal fashion training, her passion for collecting unique pieces and dressing up speaks volumes. After working at a now-defunct jewellery store, she’s developed a keen eye for style.

Why visit: Echo Vintage is a costume jewellery paradise, filled with an eclectic mix of ornamental pieces and whimsical brooches. The shop also features a curated selection of stunning consignment luxury bags. Adding to the charm, Echo’s cat roams the store, bringing a playful spirit to your shopping experience.

Why the store was founded: “I often travel and have collected jewellery over the years, so opening a store felt like a natural step to share some of my pieces. My love for fashion jewellery, clothes, and accessories began in childhood, and I’ve been collecting vintage items for about 20 years – over 400 pieces and counting! Although I studied international business and not fashion, I previously worked in jewelry retail until that store closed. Now, I design custom jewellery while Echo Vintage serves as my creative side hustle.”

Why she chose to open in Joo Chiat: “This area was my first choice because it’s vibrant, artistic, and perfectly matches the vibe of my store. Plus, having other vintage shops nearby helps create the right atmosphere.”

How she defines vintage: “I define vintage as anything over 30 years old that shows signs of natural wear and ageing. It’s not just about the age; the style, material, and design must also reflect the era in which it was made.”

On the obsession for 1920s to 1990s fashion: “I frequently travel to these countries to visit collectors, flea markets, and antique stores, discovering a wealth of vintage styles in limited quantities. My focus on pieces from the 1920s to the 1990s developed organically, driven by items that resonate with me and fit my eye and budget.”

Details and features of vintage jewellery she finds interesting: “I’m drawn to bold vintage pieces with intricate designs, especially brooches. I love handmade silver, colourful stones, and gold-plated items adorned with pearls. I also appreciate imperfections that showcase signs of wear and pieces that aren’t machine-made.”

Her curation: “The shop features a mix of consignment bags and unique items I’ve sourced from my travels to collectors, flea markets, and vintage stores in Germany, London, Japan, Milan, the USA, Brazil, Argentina, and Paris. You’ll find brands like Prada, YSL, and Louis Vuitton for bags, while the jewellery selection includes pieces from Dolce & Gabbana, Courreges Paris, ‘80s Japanese pearls, and ‘70s American statement necklaces.”

Advice for buying vintage jewellery: “Buy what you love.”

This article was originally published in Female.