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HT Brunch Game Show: Who has the gift of thrift?
The one who doom scrolls Instagram, the one who visits markets, or the third who uses an app dedicated solely to thrifting?
Arya Rathore, 24, Graphic Designer
Why do you thrift and where do you thrift from?
Thrifting is a great way of promoting and partaking in sustainable fashion. It’s not only good for the environment but it’s also economical. Earlier, I used to thrift from Instagram pages. But ever since I discovered Poshmark, it’s been my go-to.
Your best thrift find?
A red Charles & Keith handbag from Poshmark.
Has thrifting changed anything for you?
I’ve started using my clothes more gently and taking care of them so that I can thrift and exchange them for something different. It’s great how thrifting has increased the lifecycle of clothes and accessories. What would have ended up in a dump earlier is now passed on to someone who wants it.
Any tips for thrift noobs?
Always ask for more details and pictures if you are confused. Make sure you ask for authenticity tags and certificates when buying branded products.
Debojit Dutta, 34, Editor/Writer
Why do you thrift and where do you thrift from?
It’s a cost-effective and environment-friendly way of shopping. Since the past few years, I have started investing in refurbished and second-hand gadgets. Thrifted clothes is an extension of that. I thrift from Instagram handles like @by_zualaparte and @curated.findings.
Your best thrift find?
A cable-knit turtleneck sweater and a Burberry cashmere scarf from two separate IG pages.
Has thrifting changed anything for you?
I look up thrifting pages if I want a particular thing before just ordering it new.
Any tips for thrift noobs?
If you are buying from an Instagram page, check the comments and interactions of the page with the customers. Send them a direct message and ask questions about what you wish to buy—the size, fabric, everything.
Cathline Chen, 27, Content Producer
Why do you thrift and where do you thrift from?
Thrifting to me is finding unique one-of-a-kind items, while I’m out physically shopping. I go to a few places in Delhi which probably don’t even have names. (I just know the spots). I visit thrift stores like Posh Past in Safdarjung and Huckleberry Hangers in Hauz Khas Village. You usually don’t find a similar copy of the item anywhere.
Your best thrift find?
A black faux leather jacket for ₹450 from Lajpat Nagar market.
Has thrifting changed anything for you?
Thrifting often leads to overbuying but thrifting consciously has helped me to think about the environment. I strive to buy only when I need it. If you don’t need it, then leave it for someone else who can use it better.
Any tips for thrift noobs?
Go out to the markets alone and keep your eyes open to stores that no one might be paying attention to.
And the winner is…Debojit Dutta
“Thrifting is more than buying old clothes”
“Though I would honestly give the winning spot to all three, as I love the enthusiastic response. I find Debojit’s references more engaging,” says Gautam Sinha, Creative Director/ Founder, Nappa Dori.
“To me, thrifting is something more than buying old clothes or getting a good deal. It definitely has its benefits, excess production and less harmful to the environment are a few. But I use it as a tool to get inspiration, there is the thrill of finding something that has a lot of history. design details from a different era, they might not be in a condition to use, but inspire you to design something with a historical and emotional connect,” he says. Gautam posts about a lot of his thrifting trips on his Instagram, which serves as a memory bank for his personal use.
From HT Brunch, November 26, 2022
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