Trash Chic is 15
What? I hear you say. But I thought you only started in 2021.
In the beginning
Not long after I moved to Cambridge, I set up Trash Chic as a side-line, a hobby, a distraction from being at the computer day in and day out developing websites.
I’ve always sold second-hand clothes in some form or other and love collecting quirky and unusual garments. So many people commented on my outfits and my style and asked me where I got my clothes from. There was often an air of surprise when I said: charity shops, car boot sales, jumbles.
I realised that not everyone liked rooting through piles of old clothes and spending hours scouring charity shops for that elusive gem. Fifteen years on, things have changed, and the word preloved is now on everyone’s lips. It’s no longer niche but mainstream.
The first outings with my rails of quirky clothing were to local fetes and events in and around Cambridge. I joined forces with my friend Sandra who is a talented knitter and one of the most committed upcyclers I know. We made a great team, and the clothes were snapped up.
I spent a few happy years hauling my rails of delight around, but my web design company was pulling in a lot of work. This was great for the coffers but meant I didn’t have as much time to source quality garments which takes an incredible amount of legwork as any seasoned thrifter will tell you. So Trash Chic went into hibernation.
The next chapter
The pandemic had such a negative impact on my well-established and hitherto successful web design business that in 2021 I decided to reinvent myself and resurrect Trash Chic. I would wind down Catfish Web Design and return to my role as a purveyor of a thoughtfully curated collection of preloved clothes for women. I am under no illusion that this will be easy ride but I’m no stranger to hard work and making things happen.
What has changed is the way second-hand clothing is perceived. I am ‘on trend’ at last. But with that comes competition from the many vintage and preloved sellers, both individuals and platforms like Vinted, Depop and Ebay to name a few. High street stores trying to shake off the toxicity of fast fashion are jumping on the band wagon. Celebrities are also flaunting their preloved acquisitions and want their followers to see them as ‘Preloved and Proud’.
I’ve been buying and wearing second-hand clothing since the 70s so this way of dressing myself is nothing new. I love putting unexpected combinations, patterns and styles together and it’s a joy to see the women who shop with me trying on things that they wouldn’t usually. I think seeing a well curated collection can be inspiring to people who feel they’ve lost their way or think they don’t have the creativity themselves. I like to show them they haven’t, and they do.
Many of my customers feel disenchanted with high street shopping as all the stores stock similar items - the seasonal fashion trend. They also say that it’s no longer a fun experience.
Photo: Method Studios Photography
Collaborating for success
I took on board the customer comments about wanting a bit more of an ‘experience’. So, over the last 18 months I have been reaching out to other micro businesses and individuals like me working with preloved, upcycling, recycling, and creating sustainable products.
The pop-ups I’ve been organising are trying to offer just that bit more, whether it’s styling sessions, repair cafes, or upcycling workshops. But the most important thing to me is good service and honest advice.
The Re-Fashion & Fizz pop-ups in the Grand Arcade (thank you to Julie the marketing manager who is my guardian angel) have been very well received. The next one is on 29 and 30 June and is my Festival Edition.
So, what’s going to make this event different?
DJ Chica will be helping us embrace the power of music and movement with Ecstatic Dance sessions. The Glitter Fairy will be on hand to dust your face with sparkle. Fizz from the Bubbly Bandits. Origameg will be showcasing her beautiful festival lights. Clothing and accessories from me, Preloved Chica, Noko Designs Jewellery and Tatty La La flower crowns.
What’s to come?
Now I am back on the road with my rails, I’m customising and upcycling clothing and hats, and generally having a whale of a time. I would love to do more customising. I’m mulling over how I can achieve this and keep the clothes reasonable priced, which is important to me. Is it even possible? And that’s the challenge we makers and creators must face. But then, back to the Vivienne Westwood mantra of ‘Buy less, buy better’.
All I can say is watch this space. 15 years have gone very quickly, and there is more to come.
