Reina

Melbourne has no shortage of pre-loved clothing stores. But Reina stands out with its expertly curated designer garments. You’ll think you died and went to runway heaven upon entering the boutique in Melbourne’s iconic Nicholas Building.

The name Reina comes from owner Romy Theodore’s middle name, Zacharenia (which means “sugar” in Greek). The Melbourne-born creative started the boutique in 2019, after a stint in New York studying Art History and Curation at the Parsons School of Design.

Theodore sources most of her pieces from Italian and French fashion houses, and most garments are from the late ’80s through to 2005. Though the store stocks mostly French and Italian labels, there are divergences. Among the lesser-known names you’ll also find a range of vintage Prada, Miu Miu, McQueen, Dior, Gucci, Céline, Louis Vuitton, Emilio Pucci, Bottega Veneta and more.

Theodore styled the huge 100-square-metre floor space herself; the white boutique is lined with striking marble terrazzo-style tiles and decorated with vintage furniture. Unlike other vintage stores – which are often cramped and filled with racks so stuffed you can barely see the clothes – Reina is spacious and full of natural light.