Currency Clothing

Currency Clothing is a sort of co-​op of vintage and new clothing, though with much of the emphasis on the vintage/​retro. Fashion designers and collectors hire out individual racks in the store, so the style and theme of the clothing varies somewhat drastically. You find yourself going from a series of floaty waist skirts styled like those from the 1940s, 50s and 60s on one rack to a mess of puffy, shiny 80s formal dresses, which can be a bit jarring.
One of the main drawbacks is the lack of mirror in the dressing rooms, forcing you to go outside to inspect yourself. Quality and price also varies from rack to rack, but most stuff is priced between $ 50 and $ 200, with your average item marked around $ 70. Some of the racks are more stuffed and difficult to browse than others, so it can be a little frustrating as you progress towards the back. However, there’s a good selection of leather boots and accessories throughout the shop, and like most eclectic clothing stores, the occasional garment is a real find.

I’ve asked my quantum physicist brother to explain the relational value of currencies a million times and I still don’t get it. Likewise, I’ve visited Currency Clothing countless times and am still confounded by this hot Fitzroy vintage mess. I just can’t make sense of it. Currency Clothing is officially as confusing — if not more so — than the world’s prevailing economic system.
As far as I can tell, Melbournian vintage purveyors are invited to rent a rail from Currency Clothing on which to sell their wares through this popular Brunswick Street shop. Now don’t get me wrong, I like the idea. I like anything that supports fledgling entrepreneurs in their desire to make a living, but it all seems to conspire to make Currency Clothing a bit of a confusing hotch potch.
When I last visited — I would argue what were brand spanking new — Indian sari type dresses vied with — also newish — Mexican garb vied with synthetic eighties ball dresses for attention. Currency Clothing’s collection just isn’t comprehensive, varied or cogent enough to stand out amongst the trillion vintage boutiques on Brunswick Street.
If you really feel like a rummage and have the patience to rifle through quite some vintage flotsam, then Currency Clothing might be for you. You’ll see me making a run for Puf ‘n’ Stuff on nearby Gertrude Street. Now that is a commonsensical vintage boutique.

Yet another Vintage store gem on Brunswick street is Currency, a tiny shop that caters for both men and women with clothing from the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s.
I have been lucky enough to buy some fantastic wardrobe staples from Currency including an acid wash leather skirt and a gorgeous kimino jacket. However, considering the amount of clothing stocked I often struggle to find anything truly great. I can’t speak for the men, but this has certainly been the case for the women.
Having said that, I highly recommend Currency if you are looking for a strong pair of leather boots, in fact they have been known to stock Dr Martens for a really reasonable price. But the majority of their stock is slightly overpriced for what it is.
I do love Currency, but only every once in a while does it love me back.