Ever get that feeling when you want to hang out with some cool people but don’t necessarily want to go to a bar? And your favorite isn’t an option because it’s past 6 pm and they’re already closed? It really sucks, especially when you’re ready to leave your apartment! But what if I told you there was a cool spot downtown where you could meet cool people, listen to great music, and find one-of-a-kind vintage pieces? That’d be great, right? So, how does 7 pm at Komondors Vintage Shop sound?
Komondors Vintage Shop
Address: Komondors Vintage Shop, Cafe & Bar, Wesselényi utca 21, Budapest.
Hours: Mon-Wed 10 am – 12 pm, Thurs-Fri 10am – 12 pm, Sat 9 am – 10 pm, Sun 9 am – 6 pm
Budapest’s party district is evolving every second, and you find a lot of cool spots nestled in one area. Ruin bars like Szimpla Kert and Instant Fogas bring in international crowds, whereas locally-loved spots like Aran Bakery and Dorado Cafe bring in Budapestians. But a new place is also making waves around the Budapest local scene, and it combines fashion, music, and coffee.
If you haven’t caught on yet, we’re talking about Komondors Vintage Shop, Cafe & Bar.
Long are the days when Humana and Cream were the only vintage spots in Budapest because the younger generation is coming in hot and taking the vintage scene by storm. Komondors has only been open for less than a year, and they were already part of the Budapest Central European Fashion Week!
I had a chance to speak with one of the owners of Komondors and I was in awe about their journey. Firstly their journey wasn’t the smoothest at first. This was their first shop, and it’s on one of Budapest’s busiest streets. The owners always had an interest in fashion, but even this was on a larger scale, and it was a learning process. It’s safe to say that they’re doing a great job.
The store, which used to be a vintage furnish shop, is now full of vintage fashion, particularly from the 70s and 80s, featuring low-rise pants, sweatshirts, crop tops, tunic shirts, jumpsuits, and everything in between. Their interior design is also very quirky and eclectic, matching the ambience of the space.
Cafe & bar
They wanted Komondors to have a living room type of vibe. A place where people can hang out, and they excelled at that. You’re welcomed by a spacious sitting area when you walk into the store, with the café on your left and the vintage store on the right.
There aren’t many vintage stores in Budapest where you can shop, grab a coffee, and chat with friends. Or better yet, make new ones! Komondors has grown to be more of a community and less of a place that just sells clothes. You can join them for weekly events around music and fun.
All these parties and events are free, making them accessible to everyone in the hopes of fostering community.
It’s no surprise that their presence at Budapest Fashion Week brought up such large numbers.
Komondors Vintage Fashion Show | BCEFW Side Events
The BCEFW wasn’t only packed with fashions at the main event, but also the side events. Komondors did their thing and put together a fabulous show using local talent and items. With only a month to put a whole show together, they combined their efforts to create a memorable night.
A lot of the pieces that were part of the show were from the store and told a story of time and fashion. Each model worked with the stylists to create a look from a certain decade. And what made them stand out even more was that each looked, matched the personality.
It was a collaborative effort, and this brought up a diverse show.
This was just one of many interesting events that Komondors Vintage Shop hosts, and it’s exciting to see what else they have in store for the future. I got the inside scoop on basement renovations, which will soon be in the works. They’re potentially going to have some dedicated teammates for the café and more interior decorating.
Who knows, we might see another motorcycle in there. Or perhaps more mugs hanging from the ceiling. Whatever the case, we know we’ll love it.
