MANILA, Philippines—For years now, bag lovers have trekked to the ukay-ukay of Baguio in search of used designer bags they can call their own. While those stalls in Bayanihan and Session Road are still there, you don’t have to make the trip to get your hands on designer totes.
There are vintage bag havens around the city to make the bag hag in you happy. Prices have gone up because store owners have wisened up, studied the big brands and learned how to spot an original from a knockoff.
Bargains can still be found, if you know where to go. Authentic designer bags disappear from the racks fast, leaving behind piles and piles of “class A” knockoffs, so be smart and be quick. Here’s a guide:
MAKATI
Drex and Ivy’s Boogie-Boogie Shop 254 Gil Puyat, Makati (near Tropical Hut)
A favorite stop of ukay-loving Makati employees, Drex and Ivy’s Boogie-Boogie Shop sells not only clothes, but also bags. If you’re lucky, you will spot originals hidden among the “class A” knockoffs.
Brands spotted: Louis Vuitton, Furla, Coach, Celine, Prada, Gucci, Bally, Hermes, Vivienne Westwood Bucks for bags: From P480 to P2,800, depending on the bag’s brand and condition Stocks arrive... every two months. Top tip: Check out the sale racks that slash 60 percent off the bags’ prices Who you should look for: James
Femy’s Thrift Shop 509 Hizon St., Bangkal, Makati
When some residents of Forbes, Dasma and Makati’s other gated villages want to get rid of their stuff, they call Femy, who has been running her thrift shop since the mid-’80s. Originally in Recto and now in Makati’s Bangkal area, Femy’s Thrift Shop is packed with paintings, furniture, home decor, costume jewelry and, yes, designer bags. It has drawn celebs, including Miriam Defensor-Santiago.
Brands spotted: Christian Dior, Gucci, Nine West, Ferragamo, Louis Vuitton Bucks for bags: From P200 to P1,500 Stocks arrive... sporadically, when Makati’s elite decide to clean out their closets. Top tip: Drop by Saturdays when some items are sold at half price. Who you should look for: Femy Other bag haunts in the area: thrift shops in Hizon and Evangelista Streets
PASAY
Ukay Ukay Wagwagan 2819 Taft Ave., Pasay City
Located near the LRT station, Ukay Ukay Wagwagan offers used clothes, bags and shoes at a fraction of their original prices. There are bags available, but to get the really good ones, be fast as they are snatched up pretty quickly.
Brands spotted: Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada, Burberry Bucks for bags: Prices start at P850 Stocks arrive... monthly. Top tip: New arrivals go on sale after 20 days. Who you should look for: Rodel and Alex Other bag haunts in the area: Ukay shops along Taft Ave.
MANDALUYONG
Fashion De Lite Unit 3 Epifanio De Los Santos Ave., Wack Wack, Greenhills 4 East, Mandaluyong City (across Robinsons Galleria)
Fashion De Lite stocks up on original designer bags but because the owners spend time figuring out what is fake and what isn’t, they do not hit the shelves as often as bag lovers would want.
Brands spotted: Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Prada, Gucci Bucks for bags: Prices start at P580 and can go up to as much as P8,000 or even P16,000 for original designer bags. Stocks arrive... sporadically, because they spend time studying the bags first before selling them. Top tip: Patience is key. Fashion De Lite is a big store. A careful search will be fruitful. Who you should look for: Lawagan Other bag haunts in the area: Check out other ukay stops just a few steps away.
QUEZON CITY
Passerby Ukay Ukay Opulent Bldg. EDSA corner Gen. Roxas St. Araneta Center, Cubao (across Gateway Mall)
The day we dropped by, the saleswomen in Passerby Ukay Ukay were very excited about an original black Bottega Veneta bag they were selling for P2,800. The shop, huge and maze-like, leads to other shops—good news for people who like marathon sessions of vintage bag-hunting.
Brands spotted: Ferragamo, Christian Dior, Louis Vuitton, Coach, Guy Laroche, Bottega Veneta, Prada Bucks for bags: From P225 to over P2,000 Stocks arrive... monthly. Top tip: Stick to friendly, helpful saleswomen and avoid the ones who seem to be PMS-ing. Who you should look for: Pilar Other bag haunts in the area: Countless ukay shops in Cubao. Check out Fashion De Lite’s Cubao branch.
Tips for vintage bag buyers:
1. Know the bags. Research, read, go online. It takes knowledge to spot what’s authentic and what isn’t.
2. The early bird catches the bag. Get the ukay or thrift shop schedule. If possible, leave your number with them and ask for updates when new stocks arrive.
3. Be prepared to sneeze. Some ukay-ukay shops are very dusty.
4. Haggle, haggle, haggle.
5. Don’t make hasty purchases. Inspect the bag carefully. Check if the zipper is working and make sure there are no rips and permanent damage.
6. Find a reliable bag repair shop. You might fall in love with a beaten-up bag that can still be rescued and restored. It pays to know the right place to take it to.
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