Recycling this classic trend, thrifting is slowly refitting our closets. Check out our guide to master the art of thrifting in Hong Kong.
Sustainable consumerism started in 1987 when the United Nations’ Brundtland Commission published a report stating the leading contributor to pollution was people’s over-purchasing. The fashion industry accounts for 10% of greenhouse gas emissions, and a pair of jeans can produce 33.4kg of carbon dioxide. From the process of making clothes to washing clothes, the fashion industry is one of the leading causes of climate change. This is why thrifting- purchasing used, but quality clothes and other items from second-hand goods stores and consignment retailers- may slowly save the earth from the damaging impact of the fashion industry. Here is our guide to thrifting in Hong Kong, a starter kit to living sustainably and responsibly in the city.
1. Luxury Thrifting
The HULA
Working at Lane Crawford for over a decade, Sarah Fung founded the HULA in 2016. Providing both online and in-person services, the HULA sells vintage handbags, clothes, and accessories from brands like Chanel, Gucci, Christian Dior, and Celine. The HULA is a sustainable fashion community where members can consign the items they no longer need and purchase quality luxury pieces at a decreased cost, creating a positive impact one sale at a time.
Address: 5A, Evergreen Industrial Mansion, 12 Yip Fat St, Wong Chuk Hang
Open From: Mon-Fri: 11am-7pm; Sat: 2pm-6pm
Luxford (2hand)
A Bottega Veneta (BV) woven wallet typically costs HK$6,000, but at Luxford, a second hand store, it costs HK$500 only. To encourage the public to become more sustainable and reduce their carbon footprint, Luxford makes luxury goods more affordable by reducing each item by 90% from its original price. They also have a small physical store where you can view their unbelievably discounted products in real life.
Address: Kwun Tong, Tsun Yip Ln, 10. Yip Win Factory Building, 4/F, Rm. C3
Open From: Mon-Sun: 11am-9pm
Green Ladies
293 tonnes of textiles goes into landfills every day, and Green Ladies makes it their priority to lower that number. Focusing on selling high quality secondhand goods, Green Ladies is the first social eco enterprise operated by St. James’ Settlement, based on a consignment model. Recognising there are more obstacles for middle aged women to re-enter the workforce, Green Ladies also works to provide more employment opportunities for them.
Address: Wan Chai, C C Wu Bldg, 302-308 Hennessy Rd, Wan Chai (click here for other locations)
Open From: Mon-Sun: 12:30pm-8pm
2. Online Thrift Stores
Asian Angel
For those who love shopping online, graphic designer Bell created Instagram thrift store Asian Angel, gaining over 7,000 followers in just a year. With the goal of saying no to fast fashion and to help the planet, Asian Angel sells affordable second-hand wear. If you are skeptical about Instagram shops, Bell also does pop up shops all over Hong Kong. Bell also incorporates her design background by adding funky designs to each post.
Online Store: @asianangel_hk
ChadiLuxury
ChadiLuxury was launched in the summer of 2019 by founder Chadi Nouri, a free spirited, strong minded entrepreneur with a passion for luxury brands and craftsmanship. This global e-commerce platform provides well-maintained, luxury Swiss watches and vintage goods, to promote the idea of stepping away from fast fashion and mass production. ChadiLuxury uniquely encourages customers to return items once they do not wish to keep them, decreasing buyer’s remorse, and boosting their products’ life cycles.
Online Store: chadiluxury.com
Drop Your Closet
Created in 2018, Drop Your Closet is an online vintage second-hand store. They upcycle people’s donations, and apply unique twists to each item so you will always be surprised with the designs they come up with. Be sure to check out their Facebook or Instagram to get outfit inspirations through their aesthetic photoshoots, and to stay informed about their next pop up shop.
Online Store: dropyourcloset.com
Style Carousel
A lot of people want to avoid being an outfit repeater, but purchasing a new outfit every day from fast fashion retailers will have a harmful impact on the environment. Style Carousel wants to remove that stigma and eliminate unnecessary purchasing by offering rental services for luxury fashion items. They also provide services for shipping, pick up, and cleaning, with an extensive brand list, people can rent their favorite dress and return it on the same day, just like Cinderella.
Online Store: stylecarousel.com
3. Off-the-Rack Vintage
Mee & Gee
Going old school, Mee & Gee offers that feeling of shifting through endless stacked racks until you find the perfect item. Mee & Gee is a local favorite best known for its crazy patterns and cheap prices. Upon entering, you can spend hours in the store hunting for vintage T-shirts, denim jackets, shoulder pads, and dresses without knowing the time of day.
Address: G/F, 3 Tai Yuan Street, Wan Chai (click here for other locations)
Open From: Mon-Sun: 9am-9pm
Family Store (Salvation Army)
A classic store with over 15 locations in Hong Kong, Family Store collects donations from the public and sells them at their local stores. Not only do they sell clothes, but they also sell home decorations, stationery, books, and furniture at low prices. If you look closely, you may find some name brand items and hidden gems. Make sure you check their website’s guidelines before donating.
Address: G/F &1/ F, Tiffan Tower, 199 Wan Chai Road, Wan Chai (click here for other locations)
Open From: Mon-Sat 10am-7pm; Sun 2pm-7pm
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