Asian shoppers look to vintage clothes and accessories for something different

As luxury brands become more ubiquitous, the fashion savvy are looking for items that are one of a kind. While some niche artisanal labels fit the bill, discerning shoppers are getting their luxury fix via the vintage world.

"I've been hearing the same complaints from women everywhere. They are looking for something different to wear that's not in the stores or available on the internet. No one wants to walk into a party and see someone else wearing the same item," says Lucia Tait Tolani, owner of newly launched members-only styling service Pair.

"Vintage is the perfect solution because so many of the pieces have that rarity and feeling of exclusiveness. It's about finding something that's individual, which is what modern luxury stands for," she says.

While the vintage market has thrived in the West, Hong Kong has been slow to catch on; just a few small boutiques such as Select 18 carry a limited selection of non-branded and occasional branded vintage goods.

Initially, many Asian women avoided buying vintage or previously worn products, due to cultural stigma (wearing used items is viewed as bad luck). Times, however, are changing. Customers are becoming more open to buying vintage, especially as the younger generation come to the fore.

"The Chinese customer is only just starting to define their own fashion culture, which is why the age of the consumer plays into this growth in Asia. They understand the item may be pre-owned, but can still be barely used. They see the quality is very comparable to an item that is branded," says Seth Weisser, founder of New York vintage boutique What Goes Around Comes Around.