About

Welcome to Circa Vintage.

Circa is a retail and online vintage clothing shop owned and run by fashion historian and writer Nicole Jenkins, based in Melbourne, Australia.

Since 2004, Circa has focused on good quality original garments dating from the Victorian era to modern times. Local labels are a specialty, although some items are sourced overseas due their rarity.

Nicole has been buying and selling vintage clothing since 1980 and at one time managed Sydney vintage shop “Albert and Gladys”. She has also worked in costume hire, film, television, theatre and fashion here in Australia and in the UK after studying costume design and construction at Perth Technical College and the WA Academy of Performing Arts.

“My mission” says Nicole “Is to encourage people to enjoy vintage clothing as a stylish and environmentally responsible form of collectable fashion”.

Most vintage garments and accessories at Circa have been cleaned and restored to their original glory so they are ready to wear. Some older garments are not cleaned due to their antique or fragile nature, as they are more suitable for collecting than wearing.

In addition, we stock a small number of new reproduction accessories and lingerie, when it is difficult to find the originals in good condition and appropriate sizes.

Nicole’s first book “Love Vintage” was published through Carters and is now available for sale through the website.

She is also available by arrangement for talks. Vintage garments from Nicole’s private collection and Circa are available for exhibitions, fashion parades and hire by professional groups. She can be contacted via email

All original images and text (unless otherwise indicated) remain the property of Circa Vintage Clothing. Please request permission before reproducing. Thank you. More photos of the shop interior can be seen here.