SHOP L.A. THE @MUSTBEMARGIELA WAY

A LIST OF THE BEST 30 SHOWROOMS AND SHOPS IN THE CITY FOR THE HEADS

- Ashantéa Austin

Above all else, I'm a fashion fanatic.

Playing dress-up is something I never grew out of, and under the pseudonym @mustbe-margiela I've built an online community centered on exploring fashion through honest storytelling and deep-dive analysis. When I first moved to L.A. from Canada, I was eager to uncover every vintage and archive store the city had to offer. But I quickly realized there wasn't a single, comprehensive guide that aligned with my style or approach to shopping. The existing lists of “best vintage shops” I did come across often felt repetitive and omitted places that specialized in archive designer and the rare fashion ephemera I was looking for.

Through years of exploring, researching, and — of course — trying things on, I've curated my own list of 30 stores, showrooms and shops. This isn’t just a directory; it’s a field guide for fellow fashion lovers who see getting dressed as a form of creative expression and historical exploration. Whether you're hunting for rare designer pieces, a fashion magazine or just want to play dress-up with intention, this guide is for you.

Where I shop first and foremost

Maison Margiela Melrose Place: A must for me — no explanation needed. Open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. 8451 Melrose Place, Los Angeles. maisonmargiela.com

Where I shop for vintage

Two Fold: Eclectic. Find your favorite band’s vintage graphic tee and more. Open by appointment only. DM for address and availability. @twofold_la