Ritzy Rags
Ritzy Rags has been a Dublin fashion girl’s insider secret for many years now. A destination for thrifters, film and theatre costume designers, charity shop hunters and stylists alike. In its far off location of Bolton Street and just around the corner from the magnificent Henrietta Street and D.I.T, Ritzy Rags has sat discreetly on Bolton Street with fabulous French finds hidden amongst its tubberware boxes- there only for those who were willing to hunt.
The story behind this charity shop is interesting, the charity in question is The Friend’s of The Elderly, a French organisation. Bi-annually a truck load of clothes comes from France to fill the shelves. As we all know French women know how to dress and amongst the truck-load that arrives in Ireland every year are some of the best French labels and quality finds. I have been lucky enough to find wonderful things from striped Breton tops from Petit Bateau, a rose printed Cacherel shirt, a buttery soft chocolate brown leather Max Mara belt, not to mention amazing vintage dresses and curios. I wrote a blog post a while back on Leonor’s 1930s dress where she reveals her story about her vintage find she unearthed when she worked in Ritzy Rags.
Now, Ritzy Rags has entered another era, the shop has gotten ritzier from inside out. Its beautifully painted and sorted with care. Items are laid out in gorgeous displays, things for ladies and things for gentlemen are divided and each section of the shop allows for a better browsing experience. There is also a little vintage room off the main room- which has some beautiful French vintage pieces.
This make-over is a great move on for the charity and hopefully will be of great success. But some small part of me is sad to see self-consciousness creep in. The joy of Ritzy was in the hunt to find amongst a jumble of clothes something truly great. Now the work is done for you, I am at a loss, the adventure is gone. Perhaps I am just sad that the secret is out, or that vintage has become so mainstream it becomes the main draw!However, Ritzy has entered another era and so must I, it is now shouting from the rooftops, we have great French vintage at great prices inside, something not many other vintage store can say in Dublin. So to honour this new age, I too am shouting about this secret and I bid you to get down there and get your Ritzy on!
Find more about Ritzy Rags opening hours here.
