At the risk of sounding obsessive….(not sure who I’m kidding cause I totally am)
Thrift is my religion.
Why do I pray at the alter of the second hand almighty you may ask?
Quite simply, Op shopping has been an absolute game changer for my personal style. Reclaiming not just clothing, but also my independence over a system that is set up to turn us into ‘SHEEPLE’ 🐑 blindly following the fast fashion masses, over consuming,, undervaluing ourselves, the environment, our connection to self and our clothes.
Given that today, on the 4th of July, I decided to launch out on my own
(More on that at the end of this newsletter…)
It made me think about the concept of fashion independence - what that might be and how we can get it…or reaffirm if we are already dancing to the beat of our own style drum.
I actually asked AI and I really love what it bestowed upon me - so let’s muse…
‘Fashion independence refers to the freedom and autonomy individuals have in expressing their personal style, often through clothing choices that are not dictated by mainstream trends or societal expectations. It encompasses a move away from conformity towards a more personal and authentic form of self-expression through clothing’.
I mean that’s a hell yes for me and I instantly think - The Queen of Punk.
Dame Vivienne Westwood always did fashion her way, with British wit and irreverence backed up by immaculate tailoring, a healthy dose of anti-establishment and sublime story telling, and in doing so became an irreplaceable icon. The Westwood logo 🪐 brand DNA and one of a kind aesthetic instantly recognisable. A true fashion independent.
If we were to create a fashion independence manifesto, May I suggest these could be some of the key aspects
Personal Style:
Fashion independence encourages individuals to develop and embrace their unique sense of style, rather than blindly following trends.
I have found that by thrifting - aka looks are not fed to you on a platter, you start to develop your inner stylist and imagination - tapping you into your creativity and allowing your inner child to play dress up.
Creative Control:
Independent designers often retain control over their creative vision, allowing them to express their personal values and artistic sensibilities through their work.
This applies to us as individuals too - I truly believe we can become our own fashion designers and when thrift is your medium you won’t look like anyone else.
Authenticity:
Fashion independence emphasizes authenticity and genuine self-expression, rather than striving for fleeting trends or superficiality….and the the thing with thrift stores is that you can find so many genres, eras and new ideas for old friends if you just take the time to look.
Breaking from Conformity:
It's about resisting the pressure to conform to mainstream fashion norms and embracing clothing choices that feel true to oneself. I don’t know about you but I hate being told what to do, so I really rebel against consumerism and ‘same same’ fashion. Hello Alexander McQueen
Self-Expression:
Fashion becomes a tool for individuals to express their personality, beliefs, and individuality, rather than a means of social validation. It’s so freeing when you step outside the fashion matrix and make your own rules and of course killer thrift fits. Sure, I look at the trends and what is happening in high fashion but then I make it my own into what I like to call Opshopulence.
Diversity and Inclusivity:
Independent fashion can also foster diversity and inclusivity by showcasing a wider range of styles and body types, challenging traditional beauty standards. Fashion should be for everybody, not just the ‘Sheeple’ 🐑
Check out my ‘fashion sister’ Simone on Instagram
Ok so how can we get our fashion independence on:
Thrift and vintage shopping obvs:
I see thrift stores as giant treasure hunts and like looking in 100’s of different people’s wardrobes. It allows you to create unique outfits by repurposing and remixing secondhand clothing, which in turn encourages you to express your personal style without relying on mass-produced items. If you’re new to the game, start small and just go hunting for a few things you may need, take your time, build your thrift muscle trip by trip - just have fun without the pressure. I also highly recommend educating yourself - particularly on fashion history, brand DNA, fabrics, the language of fashion.
I will never get over this Galliano for Maison Margiela show - pure poetry.
Supporting independent designers, craftspeople and artisans:
Choosing to purchase clothing from independent designers allows you to support creativity and craftsmanship while also finding unique pieces that reflect your personal style. Shop small, sustainably and support indigenous and artisan culture. This is a great first nations organisation to follow
DIY fashion:
I love me a ‘crafternoon’….Creating and customising clothing gives me complete control over my style story and helps me express who I am through one of a kind pieces. I love to paint my clothes, encrust them with brooches or work with my dressmaker to upcycle items into unique offerings…I find it starts conversations, which encourages others to try it too.
This was my halloween costume last year inspired by the Margiela show above - all thrifted and DIY’d - unexpectedly I had so many people ask to take a photo with me - I think they just really resonated with the uniqueness of it.
Mixing and matching:
Creating a style mantra for myself - 3 words that help me define elements I am drawn to - has been a powerful exercise. ‘Timeless, tailored, quirk’ is my current muse but it may change - I love a good suit, i adore classic items like denim, a leather biker or a white tee but then I will give those pieces an edge by ‘Faye-ifying’ it…think a lapel covered in brooches, a ‘neck party’ (layered bling) over a simple t-shirt or a hand painted jacket.
Fashion independence encourages me to experiment with different styles, textures, and accessories, creating outfits that are uniquely my own….oh and I love pinterest mood boarding and people watching!
In essence, fashion independence is about taking ownership of one's style, embracing individuality, and using clothing as a powerful tool for self-expression and empowerment and this is what thrifting has without a doubt done for me.
It has enabled me to throw the size, gender, label and even age book well and truly out the window.
Claiming my fashion independence has given me autonomy over how I express myself….and the beautiful flow on effect is that my personal style has been free to emerge authentically.
Fracturing the fashion matrix has helped me to slow down, think for myself and also educate myself on clothing construction, fabrics, brands I may not know, vintage and fashion history - which in turn has really connected me to clothes and what feels most like me.
It’s been quite the spiritual experience too - I truly believe thrift angels are real and they have blessed me many times over with amazing finds but also taught me that there is beauty and power in patience…sometimes we have to wait for things and in a world full of quick fixes that is more than ok, in fact its much needed.
Now with that in mind…over the last two months - (they don’t call it slow fashion for nothing) - I have been travelling around sourcing beautiful thrift finds and as of today you can shop them!
Kicking off with my Depop store, and keep an eye on my Opshopulence website for the first custom collection dropping this weekend!
Everything has been loving hand picked by me, washed, repaired if needed, measured, inspected and steamed.
This is early days and there will be plenty more to come (including an Ebay store - or should I say Faye-bay!? 😂)
I’m happy to tailor the stores to suit… so do let me know what you might be looking for and I’ll see what the thrift angels can deliver.
I hope you see something you like, thank you for being a thrift queen and supporting my small business
Happy fashion independence day, long live the Opshopulence!
💚♻️
Faye x
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