“Vintage-Art Flea Market”, founded by designer Vy Thao, calligrapher Kieu Quoc Khanh, and painter Trinh Minh Tien, is a monthly art event in Hanoi. Established in 2014, the market is a great hunting ground if you are looking for old items, ranging from re-cycled furniture and old-fashioned clothing to incredible amounts of vintage goodies, for example selected jewellery, art works, and handicrafts. The number of participating shops fluctuates from 40 to 80, sometimes, even 100, and operates at many different locations in Hanoi all year round. Founder Vy Thao talks about the purpose of the event. “We want to create a place for everyone, particularly younger generations, who love vintage styles and show their passions to make it flourish.  People come here to find inspiration or sometimes, just simply recall their memories of the past through the fair’s atmosphere and the vintage–style antiquities sold in it. Besides, we always welcome the artists, who like to join in and create their art spaces here an it is such a good opportunity to bring art closer to the people.” 

No matter who you are, whether you are a serious collector, or just an antique lover, these fairs have something to amaze you (Source: Vintage-Art's Official FB)

Every one that joins the market brings their own knowledge across such a wide spectrum to the vintage community. Vintage lovers browse lovely antique pieces and meet other enthusiasts. Vy Thao again: “Previously, “Vintage” was a style related to antique items only, like old-fashioned clothes or old furniture which evoked people’s memories. Nowadays, the term “Vintage” has a wider range of definitions; it is the trend for the people who love the unique style that resembles fashion of the past. For visitors, “Vintage – Art” event is so much more than a flea market because some people are coming here not to buy anything, but just to walk around and recall memories of life in Hanoi in the subsidy period. Thus, this is truly a destination where people can spend time and enjoy.”

The number of participating shops fluctuates from 40 to 80, sometimes, even 100, and operates at many different locations in Hanoi all year round (Source: Vintage-Art's official FB)

Shoppers have a huge number of tips and tricks for you to follow, whether you want to dress top to toe in vintage fashion or introduce some vintage-inspired items from the past into your daily style. Shop owner Le Minh Ha said: "Each shop has a unique style and products that couldn’t be found anywhere else. Besides, there are a huge range of vintage works made by famous artists or local artisans, which are not only unique, but also contain artistic value. Selling vintage items here, it’s so exciting for me to see a smile on somebody’s face when they have suddenly found something that they’ve wanted for a long time. Frankly speaking, for almost all shop owners here, the main priority is not just a business transaction, but the opportunities to meet someone with boundless love for vintage items, like us.” 

The market is a great hunting ground if you are looking for old items, ranging from re-cycled furniture and old-fashioned clothing to incredible amounts of vintage goodies, for example selected jewellery, art works, and handicrafts  (Source: Vintage-Art's official FB)

People come here to find inspiration or sometimes, just simply recall their memories of the past through the fair’s atmosphere and the vintage–style antiquities sold in it (Souce: Vintage-Art's official FB)

The items here are often sold at lower prices than new garments of equivalent quality.  Phuong Thi Thanh Hien, a regular customer of the market, said: "This market is quite special and different from others. The products here are very diverse so I have more choice. Almost all the shop owners are quite pleasant, and also the vintage items, with their high artistic value, are cheaper than in other shops. So, I love to participate in this fair.”

Some people are coming here not to buy anything, but just to walk around and recall memories of life in Hanoi in the subsidy period (Source: Vintage-Art's official FB)

Part of the money made during the event is donated to non-profit organizations or to support the poor or children with disabilities in or around Hanoi. The next upcoming fair, named “Bohemian street”, is scheduled to be opened this October. Exact venue and timing will be revealed soon on Vintage-Art’s official Facebook page.