Pop Closet Elevates Luxury Vintage in Chiado with Stunning New Location and Curated Collection
Pop Closet, the renowned second-hand clothing store established eight years ago by António Branco, has recently unveiled its new location within Lisbon’s vibrant Colina do Chiado. While remaining in the same iconic district, the shop has transitioned from its previous spot on Calçada do Sacramento, adjacent to The Feeting Room, to the prestigious Pátio Siza Vieira, specifically at 19 Rua Garrett (Shop A), now situated next to Sienna. This move marks a significant evolution for the brand, enhancing its presence in one of Lisbon's most historic and stylish areas.
The relocated Pop Closet introduces a more refined curation of its inventory, placing a heightened emphasis on luxury pieces. Shoppers can now discover an impressive array of high-end items from esteemed fashion houses, including Acne Studios, Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Chanel, Celine, Comme des Garçons, Dior, Fendi, Gaultier, Gucci, Hermès, Loewe, Louis Vuitton, Margiela, Mugler, Off-White, Prada, Raf Simons, Saint Laurent, Valentino, and Vivienne Westwood, among others. This elevated selection ensures a premium shopping experience, with prices for these coveted pieces ranging from an accessible €30 to a more exclusive €1,500.
The store's enduring success and its status as a significant reference point in the fashion landscape are largely attributed to the extensive professional background of its founder, António Branco. With an impressive CV that includes roles as a buyer, stylist, and fashion editor, particularly with experience garnered in the United States and Brazil, Branco's discerning eye and industry expertise have been instrumental. His influence has propelled Pop Closet to prominence, overcoming its initially modest premises in the Portuguese capital to become a respected destination for pre-loved fashion.
The new Pop Closet space boasts a distinctive aesthetic, characterized by industrial finishes that create a compelling contrast with the building's century-old structural stone. This ancient stonework was remarkably salvaged from the devastating fire that swept through Chiado in 1988, originating at Armazéns Grandella and destroying 18 historic buildings in the area. Complementing this blend of old and new, restored wooden furniture thoughtfully displays the store's diverse offerings, which extend beyond second-hand clothing to include eyewear, accessories, footwear, as well as unique art and décor pieces.
Further enhancing its appeal, the new Pop Closet integrates a dedicated art space, featuring rotating exhibitions of works displayed on its walls. Currently, photographs by Cátia Castel-Branco adorn the space, available for purchase, with plans for regular rotation to introduce works from other artists, fostering a dynamic and ever-changing atmosphere. The store also ventures into home aesthetics, offering second-hand design pieces for the home, some of which are recycled or belong to collections from renowned brands such as Kartell, adding another layer to its curated selection.
António Branco articulates his vision for Pop Closet, stating to Time Out, "I want to have good items that anyone who comes in here feels they can wear, that aren't specific to one type of customer. Above all, quality, beautiful and contemporary pieces." To maintain this high standard and ensure a constant turnover of fresh stock, Branco employs a multi-faceted sourcing strategy. He personally procures pieces from northern Europe or northern Portugal, often from factories that offload leftover stock. Additionally, inventory is acquired through consignments from clients or bought directly by the shop, guaranteeing a consistently updated and diverse collection for his discerning clientele.
