Annie’s Vintage Costume and Textiles has deservedly been classed among the top ten vintage clothing shops in the world. Located in Camden Passage, just a five minute walk from Angel Underground Station, it is central and accessible, and the range of original 1920s beaded dresses, lamé shawls and 1930s chiffon gowns is unsurpassed.

In an era which increasingly values quantity over quality and disposable fashion over enduring classics, the owner, Annie Moss, is a pleasant anomaly. With the majority of ‘vintage’ shops purveying tawdry polyester dresses from the 1970s and 1980s in order to maximise profits, Annie’s purism is as rare and distinguished as a 1920s beaded flapper dress.

My favourite element of the shop is the wedding section, where elaborate Edwardian lawn dresses and sheer 1930s gowns vie for the attention of brides to be. If you haven’t yet visited, do so; whatever your expectations, I promise you it will exceed them.

Photo courtesy of Annies Vintage