Second-hand items receive boost as October initiative between archive and collaborators commences
In a significant step towards sustainability, several fashion brands are participating in Second Hand September, a movement that encourages the extension of garment lifecycles through resale, reuse, and recycling. This initiative, which began in 2019 by U.K.-based nonprofit Oxfam as an alternative to traditional spring-summer international fashion shows, is gaining traction.
Steve Madden is one of the brands offering e-commerce credit for recycling old apparel and footwear. Other brands are selling pre-owned products in their retail stores, while others are offering online discounts and promotions. The resale technology company, Archive, is at the forefront of this movement, partnering with over 20 brands for activations and promotions during Second Hand September.
Archive, launched in February 2021, has been actively working with its brand partners to reduce the fashion industry's environmental impacts. The company, which offers peer-to-peer, in-store, and mail-in takeback programs, raised more than $24 million from investors including Lightspeed Venture Partners, Bain Capital Ventures, and others by the end of 2022.
Emily Gittins, co-founder and CEO of Archive, expressed her excitement about the participation of many brand partners this year. "I am thrilled about the commitment of numerous brands to minimize waste and landfill accrual in the fashion industry," she stated.
The movement is not just limited to New York Fashion Week. eBay hosted a shoppable runway show on Sept. 5, showcasing pre-owned looks from brands like Khaite, Off-White, and Simone Rocha. A similar event kicked off London Fashion Week from an unspecified brand.
Styling events and live panel discussions will be offered throughout Second Hand September. The goal is to encourage consumers to shift to a more circular fashion model, one that emphasizes sustainability by purchasing pre-owned items. This shift is particularly significant during a month when the fashion industry has historically focused on showcasing only new products on the runways.
The participation of brands like Diane von Furstenberg, Sandro, Maje, M.M.LaFleur, Ulla Johnson, Oscar de la Renta, Marimekko, Dr. Martens, and The North Face reflects a growing commitment among brands to minimize waste and landfill accrual in the fashion industry. This commitment is a step in the right direction towards a more sustainable future for the fashion industry.
As the fashion industry continues to evolve, it's clear that Second Hand September is becoming an important event in the calendar, encouraging consumers and brands alike to embrace sustainability and extend the lifecycle of garments.
Recommended Reading: - Steve Madden offers e-commerce credit for recycling old apparel, footwear by Laurel Deppen (Sept. 11, 2024) - Fast fashion clothing worn less, kept for shorter time than resold luxury: report by Laurel Deppen (April 22, 2024)
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