Big Weddings, Bigger Outfits
South Asian fashion. Think lavish weddings with all the works—food, dance, and those dazzling, extravagant outfits. When it comes to South Asian weddings, the clothing tends to steal the show. But here’s the catch: these bright, sparkly garments often get worn once and then stashed away, collecting dust in boxes.
The “Pre-Loved” Trend
Asian Network delved into a cool trend—going for “pre-loved” outfits. Some folks are jumping on this wagon for a more eco-friendly and wallet-friendly option.
Anoli’s Story: From Splurge to Second-Hand
Anoli Mehta knows the drill. She splurged a small fortune on brand new outfits for a season jam-packed with weddings. By the year-end, she found herself staring at a stash of ten outfits that realistically wouldn’t see the light of day again.
Critiques and Considerations
Some folks raise an eyebrow at renting clothes, questioning its true sustainability. The carbon footprint from transport and the countless parcels delivered through online orders do add up. Anoli, however, sees the other side. She points out the exhaustive process many endure to snag these dazzling garments, from the time-consuming search to flying off to places like India or Pakistan, which takes a toll on the environment.
The Struggle with Second-Hand Apps
While second-hand clothing apps are on the rise, some feel they haven’t quite cracked the code for South Asian clothes. Amna Saeed, for instance, tried to sell her bridal lehenga on mainstream platforms without much luck. But when she turned to a platform dedicated to South Asian fashion, her outfit found a new home within weeks.
The Birth of Culture-Specific Platforms
Mohammed Ali, at 28, spotted the gap in the market after his own wedding shenanigans. Seeing the lack of platforms for selling Asian clothes, he birthed Dazzle and Bloom in 2021. He believes that with the grandeur of Asian parties, it’s time to consider sustainability and living costs too.
Anoli’s Take: Circular Threads for the Win
Taking a page from Mohammed’s book, Anoli kicked off her own platform, Circular Threads. She’s noticed a shift in mindset, with more folks embracing the idea that outfits have more than one life. It’s a heartwarming scene seeing mothers and daughters realizing the potential of pre-loved wear.
Wrapping Up: Rethinking Fashion’s Life Cycle
In the world of South Asian fashion, it’s a shift towards giving these gorgeous garments a second chance. Whether it’s Amna clearing out her closet or the birth of platforms like Circular Threads and Dazzle and Bloom, there’s a growing understanding that these outfits can live beyond their first wear.
In Conclusion: Embracing Fashion’s Second Act
The stage is set for a new era in fashion—one that’s more sustainable and pocket-friendly. The buzz around pre-loved South Asian wear is growing, urging us all to rethink how we approach our clothing choices.
