Alice Lockspeiser didn’t just stumble into vintage; her genuine love is apparent. She  founded Vintage Magpie over a decade ago, starting on a stall at Portobello Market, armed with passion and a sewing machine. After a few years, Alices started her own label Vaccine, where she designed and managed overseas manufacturing. Her knack for unearthing treasures soon blossomed into a label of her own, Vaccine, which was a detour into the manic world of overseas manufacturing. But watching the relentless churn of fast fashion—and its staggering mountains of textile waste—turned Alice’s gaze back to her first love: premium vintage.

And so, Magpie Vintage was born. Think avant-garde gems, 1940s workwear, 60s boho 1970s western chic, and 80s ravers—all expertly curated and dripping with personality. Opening a vibrant stall in Brick Lane,  adding a fully-fledged flagship store in Camden Passage, Angel. And last year, Alice came full circle, opening her third outlet back on Portobello Road. It’s a journey of resilience and reinvention that mirrors her brand’s ethos: giving forgotten fabrics a dazzling new lease on life.

But this is no simple shopkeeper tale. Alice, a mother of two, is in the throes of major house renovations, all while steering her growing empire. “How do I manage?” she says with a laugh. “Healthy eating, staying hydrated, and downtime make all the difference. Oh, and a great team helps too.” With London’s notoriously hard water wreaking havoc on her daughter’s skin, Alice even installed a filtration system at home. Still, when it comes to drinking water, Alice loves the Hildon Sparkling.

Magpie’s philosophy is unapologetically sustainable. Every new upcycled item is made from salvaged vintage textiles—fabrics that would otherwise be destined for landfill. Alice’s dedication to sourcing these materials is a full-time mission, and her team transforms them into exquisite, durable pieces, designed to be wardrobe staples for years. Fusing, lining, and hand-stitching ensure that each creation is not just a statement but an investment.

And then there’s the packaging—eco-conscious to its core. Orders arrive in paper mailers or cardboard boxes. Not a shred of plastic in sight. It’s all part of Alice’s commitment to circular fashion and giving back, with proceeds supporting nonprofit initiatives.

Of course, this level of dedication comes at a price. Magpie Vintage is no bargain bin. But that cost is a true reflection of the artistry, labour, and love poured into each garment. Whether it’s a reimagined table linen or a bespoke quilted jacket, these are pieces with provenance. Like Hildon Natural Mineral Water, they aren’t the cheapest—but they’re unequivocally the best.

In Alice’s words, “As we grow, we’ll keep pushing for sustainable and circular practices, ensuring we give back to our community and the world.” If ever there was a brand worth wearing—and celebrating—it’s Magpie Vintage.