Second-Hand Beginnings

“Halston, Lagarfeld, de la Renta. And what they did, and what they created was greater than art because you live your life in it.”

-Stanley Tucci (Nigel) from The Devil Wears Prada

I always knew I had a passion for fashion from a very young age. I would watch my mom dress up each day for work and constantly admired the fact that we could use style and clothing to express individuality, personality, and creativity. Fashion felt like walking art and as I came into myself and my values, I realized I could there was more to dressing up in items from a mass market.

My mom!

Second-Hand Outfit

Almost everyday after high school, I would venture into Carytown, about 20 minutes from home, and deep dive into each of the consignment and thrift stores looking for my next item to wear to create an outfit around. Living in a city, Richmond ensured me many options and I fell in love with small second-hand businesses. It felt exciting, and as it became more of a regular occasion, I realized the good I was doing. My senior year of high school I took an AP Environmental Science class that shifted my focus on how impactful our actions are on the environment. I started doing my own personal research and became completely invested in finding ways I can reduce waste among my daily life. Having a strong interest in fashion, I also became extremely aware of the harmful lifestyle of fast fashion and the amount of clothing wasted each year. Sustainability quickly became one of my top priorities. What started off as a way to find unique and different pieces turned into a passion. Not only was I constantly seeking a way to express my style, but also focused my attention on making sure this style was sustainable and eco-friendly. 

It became one of my favorite activities, and I constantly encouraged friends and family to join me in these outings for new pieces, reiterating the importance of shopping second-hand. 

Studying fashion and sustainability further in my academic career has only strengthened these values and opened my eyes to different ways to ensure I help our environment, while also allowing me to express my identity.