In an era where trends seem to shift overnight, a growing number of individuals are embracing secondhand shopping as a sustainable and creative alternative. No longer simply a way to save money, the practice has evolved into an expression of individuality and a conscious choice to reduce environmental impact. Marissa Gaffor, 23, began secondhand shopping as a cost-saving measure when she was broke, but that quickly developed into a lifestyle.
"At first it saved me money," she recalls. "Every time I had an upcoming event, I could shop secondhand and don't have to feel guilty about buying a new outfit, since it's technically not new." Her first secondhand find was a velvet dress she wore for her 19th birthday celebration.
"It was a stunning dress with intricate beaded embellishments – something I’d never seen before – and it cost only RM20. I still keep it to this day," she shares.What started as a pragmatic way to avoid the guilt of overconsumption soon became her preferred method for all her fashion needs.
"Style fluctuates, so why be wasteful?" Marissa adds, pointing out the ecological benefits of recycling clothes and avoiding unnecessary purchases. Marissa says she started secondhand shopping as a cost-saving measure when she was broke, but it developed into a way of life. — MARISSA GAFFOR Sheanni Lim had a similar beginning with secondhand shopping.
The 22-year-old was first attracted by the affordability and the chance to find branded items in good condition. How.