ShopMyyVault is Bringing Archival Designer Pieces to Doha
In a region where luxury is often synonymous with the latest trends, ShopMyyVault (SMV) is rewriting the narrative by celebrating the allure of archival fashion. As Qatar’s first curated vintage luxury archive, SMV is a haven for rare designer pieces, proving that timeless style transcends seasonal collections.
Founded in 2018 by Aysha Al Thani, the brand offers a meticulously sourced selection of vintage gems, from Tom Ford-era Gucci to 90s Jean Paul Gaultier and rare Chanel handbags. With a focus on exclusivity, authenticity, and storytelling, SMV caters to a new generation of fashion enthusiasts who appreciate the craftsmanship and history behind every piece.
Bringing this vision to life, “Vintage Velocity” is a daring editorial shoot that transforms vintage shopping into a high-stakes fashion heist. Shot in Doha with an all-MENA creative team, the campaign takes inspiration from Sofia Coppola’s The Bling Ring and Y2K icons like Haifa Wehbe, capturing the thrill of discovering exclusive designer treasures. Set against the backdrop of a 1950s Cadillac—reimagined as the ultimate SMV getaway car—the shoot embodies the excitement, obsession, and rarity that define archival fashion. Through paparazzi-style flash photography and bold styling, "Vintage Velocity" challenges the perception of luxury, making a case for vintage as the new frontier of exclusivity.
To dive deeper into the world of SMV, we spoke with its founder, Aysha Al Thani, about her inspirations, her most coveted finds, and the future of vintage luxury in the Gulf.
Cake The Mag: What sparked the idea for ShopMyyVault? Was there a “lightbulb moment” that made you say, “I need to bring vintage designer pieces to Doha”?
Aysha Al Thani: I was in London wrapping up my master's degree, trying to figure out what was next. I knew I wanted to do something creative in the fashion industry, but I wasn’t sure what exactly. Then it just hit me—I was always obsessed with vintage designer shopping, always on the hunt for rare pieces that no one else had. It gave me such a rush; the rarer, the better. That’s when I thought—why not turn my passion into something bigger? I decided to go for it and bring it back home to Doha and, eventually, to the rest of the Middle East. There was a gap in the market, and I just went for it.
If you could take home any piece from your collection right now, which one would it be and why? (No rules, dream closet moment).
I would 100% steal the Gucci by Tom Ford vintage bag we currently have in our collection—it’s peak edgy yet still timeless (she’s a 2003 baby). And I have to mention the Jean Paul Gaultier vintage tattoo top—it’s such an iconic nod to ’90s grunge, which I LOVE!
What’s the best piece of fashion advice you’ve ever received, and how do you apply it to running ShopMyyVault?
“Create authentically and keep an open mind.” That’s always stuck with me. With SMV, I try to push boundaries, collaborate with like-minded creatives in Doha, and build a space where fashion is more than just shopping—it’s about storytelling.
Vintage shopping is all about finding hidden gems. What’s the craziest find you’ve come across while curating your collection?
There have been so many, but one of my absolute wildest finds? A Chanel pink razor blade chain belt (YES, razor blade) from 2001.
What do you think is the one vintage item every fashion lover should own? Or is there a “must-have” piece from ShopMyyVault right now?
It all depends on your taste and the designers you love. A good bag or jewellery piece goes a long way, and ’90s Chanel is always iconic—a great starting point for anyone looking to get into vintage designer pieces.
Who are your fashion icons, and do you have a dream public figure you’d like to style?
Julia Fox is so iconic—she’s unapologetically herself, which I love. Alexa Demie too—she’s effortlessly cool, and even in Euphoria, her character Maddie incorporated vintage designer pieces. That Vintage Vivienne Westwood look? To die for.
As for a dream client, Lourdes Leon would be insane. She embodies that rebellious yet high-fashion energy that fits the brand perfectly. And for the Arab Y2K lovers, Haifa Wehbe has always been an icon. She was actually our muse for the Vintage Velocity shoot in a lot of ways.
How do you balance mixing classic luxury with fresh, modern aura in your shop?
I love referencing past eras and bringing those pieces back to life. It’s about taking the best of those times and making them feel fresh again. I’m always inspired by Y2K, ’90s supermodels, and iconic pop culture moments—but it’s just as important to style and market them in a way that still speaks to someone in 2025.
If ShopMyyVault were the wardrobe of an existing movie, which one would it be?
Carrie Bradshaw’s closet meets Paris Hilton’s wardrobe in The Bling Ring. A mix of those two is my personal SMV heaven.
For someone who’s yet to shop at ShopMyyVault, how would you convince them to take the plunge and start investing in vintage luxury?
For true fashion lovers, vintage designer is everything—the rarity, the history, the craftsmanship. Like, if you know, you know.
But for someone new to it? I’d say that SMV isn’t your average vintage store. These are rare, curated pieces with real history and exclusivity. You’re not just buying a designer bag or a pair of vintage sunnies—you’re owning something that can’t be found just anywhere. It’s a way to express personal style in a unique and meaningful way.
What’s the perfect ShopMyyVault shopping experience—take us through it!
The perfect SMV experience is personal, immersive, and almost like stepping into a mini fashion museum. Shopping with SMV isn’t just about buying—I want to educate shoppers in this region on the importance of shopping second-hand and vintage. Not only is it better for the environment, but you also get to own a rare piece of fashion history that no one else has. Since vintage is still a niche market in the region, I want customers to walk away with something they love and cherish while truly understanding what makes it special.
Creative Producer: Hajir Zaidan
Stylist: Nada Abaza
Photographer: Yassine Taha
Model: Sima Safi
Makeup: Maria Zhang
Hair: Merry Joy Gabinete
Assistant Stylist: Nawal Sadighi
