From Tokyo Streets to London Lanes
The spark for OV Market was ignited in the bustling vintage shops of Japan, where a young Australian immersed in the thriving world of oversized vintage fashion. A transformative year abroad fueled a passion for clothing rich with history and soul.
Inspired, a visit to London's iconic Brick Lane markets in 2017 crystalized a bigger vision: Australia needed a space where vintage wasn't just nostalgia—it was the future of sustainable, meaningful fashion.
The first carefully curated suitcase of vintage treasures marked the beginning. The idea was clear: bring a new energy to the Australian fashion scene, celebrating clothing with stories to tell.
The Birth of Official Vintage
By August 2017, Official Vintage was officially registered. Early operations were humble—small weekly drops of 10–15 pieces, each garment personally washed, steamed, and photographed with care.
Finding consistent, high-quality supply was tough. So, the team hit the road—sourcing trips to the US and UK became regular, forging relationships with suppliers and refining an expert eye for authentic vintage gems.
Weekend markets became their proving ground, not just for selling but for building a community that would one day grow into something bigger.
Growing Pains and Warehouse Dreams
Success came quickly—and so did the chaos. Apartments overflowed with inventory until, in April 2019, they signed the lease on a sprawling warehouse just off Melbourne’s Chapel Street.
Originally intended for storage and pop-up sales, the warehouse evolved into a vibrant retail space, complete with murals by local artists and a funky grass-covered floor. Customers lined up around the block for the opening, and just like that, a permanent store was born.
Weathering the Storm
When COVID-19 hit, Official Vintage faced its biggest test. Physical retail came to a halt, but with a strong online store and a dedicated following, they pivoted hard to digital.
Daily drops expanded to 70–100 pieces, five days a week. Online orders surged as Australians, stuck at home, discovered or rediscovered their love for vintage. What could have been a disaster became a defining chapter of growth and innovation.
Planting the Seed for Something Bigger
As restrictions eased, a community event called "SpaceJam" brought vintage sellers back together—and highlighted a tough reality. Not all had survived the pandemic's challenges.
That realization sparked a new mission: create a marketplace where vintage sellers and independent Australian designers could thrive together. Not just a shop. A true community.
Research began. Development took shape. The project matured, and by late 2023, a name emerged: OV Market—a nod to their origins but with a fresh focus on the future.
More Than Just a Marketplace
OV Market stands on three pillars:
Sustainability: Every vintage item saves resources and diverts waste from landfill, challenging fast fashion's environmental toll.
Community: OV Market is a hub for collectors, creators, and conscious consumers to connect and grow together.
Empowerment: The platform offers tools, exposure, and opportunities for small Australian sellers and designers to shine in a crowded fashion world.
