Tendencies change by the minute and quick trend reigns supreme. However there’s a quiet revolution occurring and it begins within the thrift aisle. Thrifting isn’t only a savvy buying hack, it’s a return to trend’s roots: craftsmanship, individuality and sustainability
From classic gems to denim with a narrative, secondhand trend is shortly turning into the brand new luxurious. We chat to trend stylist Hloniphile Mbele about why secondhand is the brand new luxurious, the best way to store good and the facility of personal style in a trend- chasing world. She affirms that thrifting is greater than a buying alternative, it’s a life-style.
GLAMOUR : What first sparked your love for preloved trend?
Hloniphile Mbhele: I simply love classic garments — largely as a result of I really feel that, again within the day, they made high quality, fashionable garments… Timeless items. Thrifting is gratifying as a result of I can discover one thing that was made 20 years in the past and put on it now and it nonetheless bangs. In trend, I really like 90s trend extra particularly, in order that’s what made me fall in love with thrifting and preloved trend.
G: Secondhand buying is having a severe second. Why do you suppose thrifting has turn into such a go-to for fashionable buyers at the moment?
HM: I feel quick trend has simply killed trend. Individuals who love and bask in trend nonetheless worth high quality. Thrifting can also be extra inexpensive. It’s not a brand new idea, it’s one thing folks have all the time completed — particularly those that couldn’t all the time afford new garments. Rising up, we’d have garments handed down from our mothers, sisters and even our dads… Good-quality garments that final. I feel that with the backlash in opposition to quick trend, individuals are returning to that. They’re craving well-made, lasting clothes once more.
G: What does the buzzword “gradual trend” imply to you, and why ought to we care?
HM: Gradual trend means appreciating the craft of constructing good-quality clothes. It’s about valuing garments that final and rejecting the waste that comes with quick trend. So many quick trend items don’t even final a yr. Gradual trend permits us to understand a garment; its story and its high quality, and to move it on. That’s what secondhand clothes is all about.
G: For the GLAMOUR woman on a price range, what are your high ideas for scoring the very best finds in a thrift retailer?
HM: Take your time. Thrifting isn’t about speeding — you’ve bought to dig. Look intently, search racks correctly. Additionally, hearken to what individuals are saying about sure shops. Charity retailers are gems — not only for trend however for issues like homeware too. Actually, a few of my finest items have come from there. As they are saying, “one man’s trash is one other’s treasure” — and charity shops are stuffed with actual treasure.
G: When you’ve bought the products, how do you breathe new life into thrifted clothes? Any hacks for styling one piece in completely alternative ways?
HB: It’s all about incorporating thrifted objects into what you already personal. Once you thrift, store such as you’re at Zara — decide what you want and what works along with your wardrobe. Thrifted objects, particularly classic, are typically timeless. I really like thrifting outerwear and denim — you may put on them with something. A superb 90s leather-based jacket? That’ll nonetheless be turning heads in 2025.
G: What are a few of your most treasured secondhand finds, those you put on time and again?
HB: Undoubtedly my outerwear items — coats, jackets — and my classic denim. They’re versatile, they’re long-lasting they usually elevate even the best outfit. There are just a few items I’ve had for years that also really feel related and classy each time I put on them.
G: How do you guarantee your thrifted wardrobe nonetheless feels recent, elevated and on-trend?
HB: Actually? I don’t care about being “on-trend”. I consider in private model. Tendencies come and go, however model is timeless. If you happen to keep true to what you F “I don’t care about being ‘on-trend’. I consider in private model” “Thrifting is gratifying as a result of I can discover one thing that was made 20 years in the past and put on it now and it nonetheless bangs” like and what works for you, folks will take discover — not since you’re sporting what’s scorching proper now, however since you appear to be you. That’s what evokes others. When your wardrobe displays your private style, it all the time feels recent, as a result of it’s uniquely yours.
G: Making sustainable decisions can really feel overwhelming. What’s one simple change everybody could make in relation to buying extra consciously?
HB: Cease chasing developments, persist with what you’re keen on. Tendencies create a cycle of fixed consumption. When you recognize your model, you purchase much less and put on issues longer. That’s an enormous step in the direction of sustainability — and it’s fairly releasing.
G: The style trade is slowly shifting, however how can we as people push the needle on sustainability and gradual trend?
HB: Actually, we already are — particularly in Black tradition, the place passing down garments has all the time been a part of the custom. It doesn’t must be one thing enormous, however maintain these traditions alive. Cross issues down, share information and make that mindset regular once more. These small adjustments at residence? That’s what
