Sustainable Style

Artwork and photography by Sharanyaa Nair

The Second hand dilemma: With the surge of the great climate crisis, people are now switching to alternate, eco-friendly shopping styles, and second-hand is one of the popular ones. This type of shopping involves buying products previously owned or used, and then on-sold, typically for lower prices than new. It is a term that has been associated largely with slow fashion and sustainability. Usually available through thrift stores, online platforms and charity stores, it strives to inculcate a more conscious, mindful and resourceful shopping attitude amongst the multitude. Nevertheless, there have been misconceptions: it is believed that only people who cannot afford to buy new clothes resort to “thrift stores”. Moreover, some also have their reservations regarding the assurance, hygiene, quality and shelf life of a second-hand piece.

Nonetheless, these issues cannot be generalized upon the movement itself. In the world of mammoth fast-fashion brands, clothing items are mass-produced at a cheap rate just to satiate the hunger of upcoming trends and consumer choices. This leads to mindless buying of garments, resulting in convenient disregard for the existing clothes one possesses. Throughout all this, the fundamentals of secondhand clothing stay in accordance with slow fashion i.e.- avoiding conventional shopping channels and hence, reducing waste generated by the fashion industry. This also applies to other categories not limited to apparel, such as: furniture, toys, appliances and many more. Buying second hand not only gives a new lease of life to old items, but also encourages re-usage of clothes: the item is being used in its full capacity instead of being discarded in landfills.

As Vivienne Westwood says "Buy less, choose well and make it last". The concept of slow fashion entails following a more conscious, ethical and sustainable lifestyle with regard to one's fashion choices. Hence, one can also elevate their wardrobe and stylistic choices: most thrift/secondhand stores contain myriads of vintage collectibles and re-sold luxury brands, which allows the wearer to carve their own niche and above all, stay true to their fashion identity. Lastly, in many ways, secondhand culture also exists in our own homes In India; be it hand-me-downs from a sibling or even a fashionable vintage jacket from an elderly relative, the concept of repurpose reverberates throughout. To conclude, the secondhand culture urges consumers to shop mindfully, thereby saving one precious wardrobe at a time.

Artwork and photography by Mabel Alexander

Exploring India's Cultural and Economic Tapestry: In a bustling Indian marketplace, where vibrant colors dance under the sun and the aroma of spices hangs in the air, there lies a hidden treasure trove: the world of thrifting. This seemingly modest realm holds within it a rich tapestry of cultural heritage, economic pragmatism, and social cohesion, weaving together threads of tradition and modernity in a unique and compelling narrative.

Rooted in Tradition: Thrifting in India is not merely a modern fad but a practice deeply rooted in the cultural ethos of the nation. From the age-old concept of "jugaad" to the reverence for craftsmanship and heritage, Indians have long embraced the idea of making the most out of available resources. It's a manifestation of frugality and sustainability ingrained in the societal fabric, where every item holds a story, a history, waiting to be rediscovered and repurposed.

Economic Resilience: Amidst the ebb and flow of economic tides, thrifting emerges as a beacon of resilience for many Indians. In a country where disparities in wealth are stark, thrift stores and flea markets offer a haven for budget-conscious individuals seeking quality goods at affordable prices. From clothing and furniture to electronics and books, the second-hand market presents a viable alternative to conventional retail, allowing consumers to stretch their rupee further without compromising on quality. Moreover, thrifting aligns with the principles of sustainability and circular economy, mitigating the environmental impact of rampant consumerism. By giving new life to pre-owned items, thrifting reduces the demand for new production, minimizing waste and conserving precious resources for future generations.

Social Harmony: In the colorful tapestry of India's thrifting scene, social barriers dissolve, and communities converge. Thrift stores and flea markets become melting pots of diversity, where individuals from all walks of life mingle, united by a shared passion for discovery and nostalgia. Here, the boundaries of class and status blur, as vintage saris and designer labels find new homes in the hands of eager enthusiasts. Beyond transactions, thrifting fosters a sense of camaraderie and belonging among its devotees. Whether swapping stories of serendipitous finds or sharing tips on hidden gems, ‘thrifters’ form tight-knit communities both online and offline, enriching the collective experience with every exchange.

As India marches forward into the complexities of the 21st century, the thrifting phenomenon serves as a beacon of resilience, sustainability, and social cohesion. It's a celebration of the old and the new, the past and the present, woven together in a vibrant tapestry of culture and commerce. In the labyrinthine alleys of India's bustling markets, amidst the chaos and clamor, thrifting whispers a timeless truth: that value lies not just in what we buy, but in how we cherish, repurpose, and reimagine the treasures that surround us.