‘KATE MOSS’S GO- TO STORE’

the cult boutique owner fiona stuart, co-founder, rellik

‘we’re a bit like archaeologists,’ says Fiona Stuart, co-founder of Rellik, the legendary Notting Hill vintage boutique she founded with Claire Stansfield and Steven Phillip in 1999. What they are digging up, however, are anything but tired artefacts. Rather, the racks of this West London ‘treasure trove’ are filled with Azzedine Alaïa, Thea Porter, John Galliano and Pierre Cardin. ‘ You can never go wrong with designers who start from their own place,’ advises Fiona.

For something to make it into the store, she says, ‘it’s got to be something we really love. It’s doesn’t have to be top end designer. It’s got to be extraordinary.’ This translates into an expert edit that has made Rellik a hit with A-listers (Kate Moss, patron saint of vintage shopping, is a fan), yet one that still possesses the intimacy of an independent vintage stall. ( The three owners met when they all had stalls on Portobello Road.) ‘ We’ve been there so long it’s like generations have come up with us.’

The golden rules of vintage shopping, says Fiona, are to park preconceptions at the door, be honest with yourself and take your time. ‘And you have to try on!’ she urges, saying it’s a ‘pure happiness thing’ when you do find The One. Oh, and never be put off by thinking that vintage clothes are ‘old and musty’. ‘ You only have to dry clean them and they’re good as new.’ relliklondon.co.uk