Try On Your Favourites at
The Aviary

Bespoke Fitting Room Service

LEARN MORE

Authentic Sustainable Fashion

Divine Creations of Yesteryear

Original Vintage & Retro Passions

Take me to the collection

Discover rare, premium quality vintage clothing from Europe & beyond right here in New Zealand,
carefully curated by our in-house Sustainable Stylist.

Pair your favourite pieces with our unique jewellery and accessories sourced from around the world.

Collections

What Our Customers Think ...

Wow what a beautiful shop. Stephanie is just gorgeous such a friendly person. Best collection of vintage clothes I have ever seen in NZ. Exquisite fabrics, colours, patterns at very reasonable price. Thank you for a massive pick me up experience with great advice.
Cat

Stepping inside Painted Bird is like finding Aladdin's Cave. The colours, the styles, the quality - it's simply amazing!
Tessa R

Steph always does a phenomenal job of finding that perfect vintage piece. Whether you are shopping for a special occasion or just something to add a bit of vintage glamour to your wardrobe, she will find it.
Rachel K

Such care taken to wrap pieces well and lovely little notes/surprises included! Always such a great experience purchasing from Painted Bird, I hope to visit in person some day x
Alicia K

The suit fits amazingly well... [and] it reminds me just how well tailored clothing used to be and the importance of great lining for durability.
Rebecca G

Parcel arrived on time and my beautiful garment looked exactly as described and in photos.
Maiko L

Spicy Vintage Statements

View all

Wooly Red Ravisher - DESIGNER

$299.00

Roses In Bloom Ensemble - DESIGNER

$399.00

On The Ball Dress

$349.00

Red Ravishing - Couture Simon Massey

$499.00

Wooly Red Ravisher - DESIGNER

$299.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

This gorgeous wool retro designer Adrienne Winkelmann ensemble has great potential as your working 'go to' or a little something classy to wear to a wedding or event. Wear dressy or casual - a classic ensemble like this is never out of fashion!

Keep yourself stylishly warm with the fine quality wool and tailoring found in this iconic New Zealand designers styles. The perfect weight to wear something warm underneath in the winter or, use as separates to expand your wardrobe. Equally suited to flats or heels with the classic skirt length delicately sitting just over the knee.

At least 30 years young and in excellent condition, the original value may have been more than $3000. Delight in the beauty, enjoy our fashion history and wear it forever!

This timeless design ensures your wardrobe will never become outdated, with a classic, sophisticated look that will last through the years. Let the quality wool, tailoring, and beautiful design of this piece provide you comfort and style you can rely on.

Circa: 1980 - 2000
Label: Adrienne Winkelmann
Origin: Consignment

Fabric: Wool
Condition: Excellent commensurate with age and love. Small holes in jacket lining as shown.

Modern Size Indicator*: 12 - 14
Measurements: Jacket - Bust 46 cm, Waist 44 cm, Hip 54 cm (Laid flat) Skirt - Waist 36 cm, Hip 48 cm (Laid flat)
Vintage Size Indicator: na

Fit: Tailored
Fixture: Original

DESIGNER INFORMATION: Adrienne Winkelmann - an iconic New Zealand Fashion Designer with her garments coveted for their enduring style and historical significance in the New Zealand Fashion Museum.

NOTE: A portion of this item sale price will be donated to charity. As respectful custodians of fashion history, we do not offer to sell unique items such as this separately. Keeping historical pieces together will assist you in retaining your investment and allows future generations to enjoy the pieces in their original beauty. Additional items shown are not included (shown for illustrative/styling) in this sale. Sale Items/Damaged Items cannot be exchanged, refunded or returned. Colors may display differently on various devices.

Our vintage items are rated as follows:

Excellent: Near or near to new quality, with no noted flaws and may often be presented in original packaging or, with original tags (deadstock) all commensurate with age and love
Very Good: May have some minor issue, as seen or noted
Good: Some minor flaws which may be repairable, or may not detract from the garment when worn
Rescue: Flaws as described which may or may not detract when worn in most cases possibility of repair

We estimate sizes as current or, 'modern' sizing rather than vintage sizing as eras do vary.

Please take a moment to check if this item will fit! View our Sizing Chart (opens in a new window).

Still not sure? Just email us the details of this piece and your measurements, and we can help you check if it will fit before you purchase.

Please take a moment to view our Refund Policy! Under the New Zealand Consumer Guarantees Act, stores providing second-hand or used clothing do not come under the same regulations as newly made clothing. Read our full Refund Policy for Painted Bird, Stylist Services and The Aviary (opens in a new window). We cannot refund or exchange earrings, hair accessories or face masks for hygiene reasons. We also cannot refund or exchange gift cards. Cancellation and 'no-show' appointments made for stylist and fitting room services are also subject to a no refund policy.

Still not sure? We'll gladly hold this item for you for 24 hours while we provide measurements of this item on request. Don't miss out - email us today.

Roses In Bloom Ensemble - DESIGNER

$399.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Bask in the glory of this exceptional ensemble from our Stylist personal collection! The entire four pieces are so thoughtfully put together for versatility, in a fabric that emulates femininity and elegance and oozes sophistication of eras gone by. This New Zealand designer, 'Michael Mattar' outfit is at least 50 years young and in wonderful condition.

From the designer, "It's too easy to put on a pair of slacks and a boob tube. People have got to be brave and dress up. I'm all for femininity. I like to celebrate womanhood."

Delightfully accurate of this piece and with pockets to boot!

The immaculate tailoring of this outfit both flatters the body and provides beautiful timeless style. This unique pieces will always look great with minimal effort regardless of decade for which they are worn. Change the look easily with the matching belt, cummerbund and jacket scarf paired with your own accessorising style. Be bold, brave or subtle and this dress will always be a winning and coveted look.

Tie in your current footwear favourite and take this look to town!

Circa: 1970 - 2000
Origin: Private Collection - Stylist Collection
Label: Michael Mattar

Fabric: Easy Care (Poly/Nylon/Acrylic/Acetate) blend
Condition: Excellent commensurate with age and love

Modern Size Indicator*: 8 - 10
Measurement: Dress: Bust 38 cm, Waist 30 cm, Hip 60 cm Jacket: Bust 58 cm, Waist 60 cm (Laid flat)
Vintage Size Indicator: na

Fit: Fit and Flare dress and swing style jacket
Fixture: Original

DESIGNER INFORMATION: More information about this iconic New Zealand designer can be found in New Zealand Fashion Museum with a variety of collections held at Te Papa .

NOTE: Sale Items/Damaged Items cannot be exchanged, refunded or returned. As respectful custodians of fashion history, we do not offer to sell unique items such as this separately. Keeping historical pieces together will assist you in retaining your investment and allows future generations to enjoy the pieces in their original beauty. Colours may display differently on various devices.

Our vintage items are rated as follows:

Excellent: Near or near to new quality, with no noted flaws and may often be presented in original packaging or, with original tags (deadstock) all commensurate with age and love
Very Good: May have some minor issue, as seen or noted
Good: Some minor flaws which may be repairable, or may not detract from the garment when worn
Rescue: Flaws as described which may or may not detract when worn in most cases possibility of repair

We estimate sizes as current or, 'modern' sizing rather than vintage sizing as eras do vary.

Please take a moment to check if this item will fit! View our Sizing Chart (opens in a new window).

Still not sure? Just email us the details of this piece and your measurements, and we can help you check if it will fit before you purchase.

Please take a moment to view our Refund Policy! Under the New Zealand Consumer Guarantees Act, stores providing second-hand or used clothing do not come under the same regulations as newly made clothing. Read our full Refund Policy for Painted Bird, Stylist Services and The Aviary (opens in a new window). We cannot refund or exchange earrings, hair accessories or face masks for hygiene reasons. We also cannot refund or exchange gift cards. Cancellation and 'no-show' appointments made for stylist and fitting room services are also subject to a no refund policy.

Still not sure? We'll gladly hold this item for you for 24 hours while we provide measurements of this item on request. Don't miss out - email us today.

On The Ball Dress

$349.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Enjoy the view with this immaculately presented, and seldom seen in vintage original magnificent condition dress. A little something to wear for any formal event or just to make a statement. Wear this piece to add panache with a respectful nod to eras gone by.

Perfect for swanning in to a room at a ball, black tie or appropriate for a wedding (bride or maid!). Dress up or down as you choose! The discreet delicate neckline, tulle accents and flattering shape of this dress is easy to imagine would look great wherever you take her to create your own history!

Circa: 1940-1970
Label: na
Origin: Private Collection

Fabric: Lace, Tulle and Silk
Condition: Very Good. Had been taken in by previous owner. One tiny hole in neckline (as shown) however it does not detract from wearing.

Modern Size Indicator*: 14 - 16
Measurements: Bust 48 cm, Waist 41 cm, Hip 90 cm (laid flat)
Vintage Size Indicator: na

Fit: Fitted at bust and waist to full skirt
Fixture: Original

NOTE: Sale Items/Damaged Items cannot be exchanged, refunded or returned. Colors may display differently on various devices.

Our vintage items are rated as follows:

Excellent: Near or near to new quality, with no noted flaws and may often be presented in original packaging or, with original tags (deadstock) all commensurate with age and love
Very Good: May have some minor issue, as seen or noted
Good: Some minor flaws which may be repairable, or may not detract from the garment when worn
Rescue: Flaws as described which may or may not detract when worn in most cases possibility of repair

We estimate sizes as current or, 'modern' sizing rather than vintage sizing as eras do vary.

Please take a moment to check if this item will fit! View our Sizing Chart (opens in a new window).

Still not sure? Just email us the details of this piece and your measurements, and we can help you check if it will fit before you purchase.

Please take a moment to view our Refund Policy! Under the New Zealand Consumer Guarantees Act, stores providing second-hand or used clothing do not come under the same regulations as newly made clothing. Read our full Refund Policy for Painted Bird, Stylist Services and The Aviary (opens in a new window). We cannot refund or exchange earrings, hair accessories or face masks for hygiene reasons. We also cannot refund or exchange gift cards. Cancellation and 'no-show' appointments made for stylist and fitting room services are also subject to a no refund policy.

Still not sure? We'll gladly hold this item for you for 24 hours while we provide measurements of this item on request. Don't miss out - email us today.

Red Ravishing - Couture Simon Massey

$499.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

This highly collectable and rare two couture piece suit is an original London Designer Simon Massey. The ensemble is at least 70 years young and in excellent condition. One of the best ways to shop sustainably, is a classic and timeless two piece that can be worn with so many options!

Wear together or separately.

These pieces individually flatter the body and will take you everywhere! Your 'look' options are endless with clever style mixing.

Elsewhere original Simon Massey items can be found at starting at $800 US.

This ensemble looks great now and will continue for years to come!

Circa: 1940-1970
Origin: Private Collection - UK
Label: Simon Massey

Fabric: Wool and silk lined jacket.
Condition: Excellent commensurate with age and love

Modern Size Indicator*: 6 - 8
Measurements: Available on request
Vintage Size Indicator: na

Fit: Tailored jacket and straight skirt
Fixture: All original buttons and tailoring

DESIGNER INFORMATION: Interested in the designer? More information can also be found in a blog written by Liz Tregenza. Information regarding a collaboration with designer Janice Wainright can be found at the Vintage Fashion Guild with a short documentary also found here. Image repost from Pinterest

NOTE: Sale Items/Damaged Items cannot be exchanged, refunded or returned. As respectful custodians of fashion history, we do not offer to sell unique items such as this separately. Keeping historical pieces together will assist you in retaining your investment and allows future generations to enjoy the pieces in their original beauty. Colors may display differently on various devices.

Our vintage items are rated as follows:

Excellent: Near or near to new quality, with no noted flaws and may often be presented in original packaging or, with original tags (deadstock) all commensurate with age and love
Very Good: May have some minor issue, as seen or noted
Good: Some minor flaws which may be repairable, or may not detract from the garment when worn
Rescue: Flaws as described which may or may not detract when worn in most cases possibility of repair

We estimate sizes as current or, 'modern' sizing rather than vintage sizing as eras do vary.

Please take a moment to check if this item will fit! View our Sizing Chart (opens in a new window).

Still not sure? Just email us the details of this piece and your measurements, and we can help you check if it will fit before you purchase.

Please take a moment to view our Refund Policy! Under the New Zealand Consumer Guarantees Act, stores providing second-hand or used clothing do not come under the same regulations as newly made clothing. Read our full Refund Policy for Painted Bird, Stylist Services and The Aviary (opens in a new window). We cannot refund or exchange earrings, hair accessories or face masks for hygiene reasons. We also cannot refund or exchange gift cards. Cancellation and 'no-show' appointments made for stylist and fitting room services are also subject to a no refund policy.

Still not sure? We'll gladly hold this item for you for 24 hours while we provide measurements of this item on request. Don't miss out - email us today.