Exquisite
Luxe Vintage

Hand-selected pieces for the discerning shopper

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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 Personal Stylist.

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

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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

Our Colour Crush Picks

View all

Embroidered Blues Dress

$329.00

Little Dove So Delicate

$310.00

Victor Costa for Saks Fifth Avenue - Designer

$379.00

Lemonade Couture - NZ DESIGNER

$399.00

Embroidered Blues Dress

$329.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

As seen in New Zealand Fashion Week 2025 - Into The Archives, this sensational embroidered silk cocktail dress by New Zealand designer, Caroline Church. A party dress at least 20 years young emulating eras gone by in excellent condition. Luxe silk reflecting light perfectly paired with embroidery that exudes fine decadence. Natural breathable fabric and unique detailing are always classic style winners.

The style and immaculate tailoring of this dress flatters the body in all the right places. This stunning dress will take you through the seasons in effortless chic paired with your favourite footwear for weddings, fashion in the field, soirees of style and of course ball season!

Circa: 1970 - 2009
Origin: Consignment
Label: Caroline Church

Fabric: Silk blend
Condition: Excellent commensurate with age and love

Modern Size Indicator*: 10 - 14
Measurement: Bust 40 cm, Waist 36 cm, Hip 50 cm (Laid flat)
Vintage Size Indicator: na

Fit: Tailored bust to waist
Fixture: Original

DESIGNER INFORMATION: More information about this iconic New Zealand fashion designer, Caroline Church can be found here.

NOTE: Sale Items/Damaged Items cannot be exchanged, refunded or returned. 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.

Little Dove So Delicate

$310.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

This original vintage dress is at least 50 years young and in excellent condition. The iconic fit and flare shape is always a head turner. Take note of the delicate neckline and craftmanship of eras gone by.

A lace dress like this is seldom seen in such fantastic condition. Original fixtures and obviously a well coveted piece of fashion history that was well cared for. The slightly off white of the lace, with the gentle dove bluey-gray of the ruched waist offers an ultra-feminine silhouette.

This is a piece to take you from wedding to afternoon tea. From vintage festival to a special evening out a dress in timeless style. Easy to gently hand wash and care for so that she has at least another seventy years of wear!

Looks great with flats in summer or boots in winter!

Circa: 1940-1970
Source or Origin: United Kingdom
Label/Brand: na

Fabric: Lace and easy care lining as shown
Condition: Excellent commensurate with age and love

Modern Size Indicator*: 10 - 12
Vintage Size Indicator: na
Fit: Fit and flare

Other Features: Original fixtures

Note: Please be aware in some cases it is difficult to accurately represent the true colour of the garment. For this item, we believe the colour swatch in photo #8 is closest to the true colour. Sale Items/Damaged Items cannot be exchanged, refunded or returned.

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.

Victor Costa for Saks Fifth Avenue - Designer

$379.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

As seen in Viva Magazine Volume Six

This 'Victor Costa' 1980s strapless Avant Garde designer cocktail dress is at least 40 years young and in excellent condition.

The immaculate tailoring of a vintage garment like this both flatters the body and provides beautiful style. This unique piece will always look great with minimal effort.

Be bold, brave or subtle and this dress will always be a winning and coveted look. Tie in your favourite footwear and accessories and take this look to town!

Circa: 1940 - 2000
Origin: Private Collection NZ
Label: Victor Costa

Fabric: Cotton
Condition: Excellent commensurate with age and love

Modern Size Indicator*: 6 - 8
Measurement: Bust 38, Waist 32 cm, Hip 45cm (Laid flat)
Vintage Size Indicator: 6

Fit: Tailored
Fixture: Original

DESIGNER INFORMATION: American born (1935) designer Victor Costa, designs can be found at museums such as RISD and FIDM and Birmingham Museum of Art as well as high-end designer vintage resale sites. Born in 1935 and possessing a photographic memory, Costa once said, "Special occasion dresses have always been my hallmark." Costa became the in-house designer for Suzy Perette, a large New York label known for producing line-for-line copies of French haute couture. He designed some of the most beautiful and well constructed evening gowns of the 1980s under his own label. Fabrics used included fine silks, satins, and brocades. During his heyday, Costa’s client list was a "who’s who" of society and entertainment stars. His goal was to make all women feel beautiful.

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

Viva Magazine Image credit to: Fashion Director, Dan Ahwa Photographer Mara Sommer, Model Tia Harris and Photographers Assistant John Szeto

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.

Lemonade Couture - NZ DESIGNER

$399.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

This gorgeous retro designer Adrienne Winkelmann shift, has great potential as your perfect alternative to a little black dress!

A standout statement dress such as this is never out of fashion. Beautiful tailored lines via the sequin detailing to accentuate YOU will be the only thing you need for wedding, event and special occasion wear.

Pair with metallic or contrasting coloured sandals and you will be the belle of ... wherever you go. Delight in the beauty, enjoy our fashion history and wear it forever!

At least 20 years young and in excellent condition, the original value may have been more than $3000.

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

Fabric: Silk and sequin detailing
Condition: Excellent

Modern Size Indicator*: 12 - 14
Measurements: Bust 44 cm, Waist 45 cm, Hip 55 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: 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.