Secondhand September
Every year, Second Hand September rolls around and we're encouraged to approach how we shop in a greener light. Unfamiliar with the concept? Oxfam started the pledge to make fashion-lovers rethink the month that's usually associated with Fashion Week and shopping for a new season as autumn dressing begins. Instead, the charity urges shoppers to say no to new clothes for 30 days to reduce our impact on the planet.
Here’s why you should be one of them...
The fashion industry is moving (albeit slowly) towards a more sustainable future. It was only last year that the industry finally came together to take concrete action (forum letter or rewiring fashion) to reduce its impact on the planet. But most of the environmental impact of fashion comes from the manufacturing of the garments themselves.
According to the McKinsey report, more than 70% of emissions come from upstream operations in the supply chain - a problem that most brands still fail to address. In addition to innovative and sustainable materials and recycling initiatives, the most environmentally friendly alternative is and remains second-hand shopping.
Secondhand is an amazing opportunity to reduce waste, making the most of what we already have.
Here is our selection of the most beautiful, lovingly curated second-hand online shops in Germany.
1. Rebelle
Second-hand shopping at flea markets or in charity shops can be like a treasure hunt: for little money, the next find is very close. It is often unique pieces that tell their own story. But not everyone finds the time to lose themselves in the shops for hours, because the search is often unsuccessful. Fortunately, there are designer second-hand online shops such as Rebelle, which check every single piece for authenticity and only provide us with the best selection (and of course Corona-friendly from home).
2. Soo Last Season
Soo Last Season is a secret source of archival treasures: a simple Tom Ford-era black Gucci tank top with sexy leather straps, a statement Moschino jean mini skirt, and a funky John Galliano lurex knit tattoo top. The founder and today's resident of Berlin, Zorica Stojanovic, runs her e-store like an inspiring look book that is more than just worth looking into.
3. The GoodStore
Stylishly selected second-hand fashion (especially from last or even current seasons) is available at The Good Store. The selection is presented in a simple but grandiose interior complete with lush flower arrangements by Gross Gusto. The shop also offers jewelry from the in-house line Good Jewelry and the Good fashion collection launched last year. Both jewelry and clothing are made in Berlin from "ethical fabrics."
4. Neuzwei
At Neuzwei there is a good balance between vintage design pieces and no-name brands. We can also learn how to put together a wardrobe of essentials from the online store's curated selection. That's why Burberry trench coats, Jil Sander suit trousers and blazers make up the main squad in the store. Neuzwei now also offers selected new brands that match the rest of the range - the only requirement: they have to be sustainable.
5. Side by side
Side by Side belongs to a new generation of shops whose vintage finds can only be found online via DM via Instagram. From faux-fur platform boots to skinny Versace pants to pink Dior sunglasses (circa 1991), the store's colorful fashion feed is a lot of fun, making it the ultimate mood board for 2021.
Secondhand September is not only about shopping secondhand, it’s about taking care of our clothes, making them last and giving them a second life — swapping, mending, renting, making, borrowing, thrifting and rewearing are all great actions we can take to become more conscious consumers!
