Secondhand fashion advocate Amanda Rushforth shares why sustainable shopping isn’t working, how consumers can shop smarter, and her favorite places to buy (and sell) pre-loved in Dubai.
Amanda Rushforth is not a fan of sustainable shopping.
Or at least, she’s not a fan of the term ‘sustainable shopping ’; according to Amanda, secondhand shopping needs a rebrand. That’s why, when we spoke to her, she told us about investing in fashion, shopping smarter, and her favorite places in Dubai for vintage clothes.
And, most importantly, why shopping secondhand is a real “guilt-free” pleasure.
Originally from the UK, Amanda Rushforth has lived in the UAE since she was a child, growing up to make a name for herself as a marine conservationist, sustainability advocate, and vintage fashionista. “I’m trying to impress upon people the fact that bringing secondhand shopping into our daily narrative, daily life, not making it something ‘sustainable,’ actually just being like, ‘I got it at this secondhand shop, and making it normal,’” she says.
One way she believes secondhand shopping can actually help consumers shop smarter is to think of your closet as an asset, rather than an expense. Amanda doesn’t like to keep things in her closet that she isn’t wearing, so she sells them, or even uses shops where she gets in-store credit, ensuring there’s a constant ‘money in – money out’ relationship. The investment she spends on her clothes stays in her wardrobe. “It’s about how to make money with your wardrobe. It’s about how to encourage shopping secondhand first, because the assets are already in your wardrobe and you could do it without spending any more cash.”
But what about trends? Can shoppers sustainably buy the season’s latest items without contributing to over-consumption and running up a large bill at the local mall? In fact, is it even possible to find the season’s hottest trends when you’re browsing secondhand shops and vintage stores? “I want a new wardrobe every season just like everyone else. But I do it in the most ethical way I can,” Amanda says.
I want a new wardrobe every season just like everyone else. But I do it in the most ethical way I can.
Amanda RushforthShe recommends heading to one of the stores on her list below and asking specifically for the style or trend you want; the sales assistants will know what’s just come in or what’s available on the floor. “The minute you buy it secondhand, it reduces the carbon footprint of that item by up to 80%. There’s no guilt when you shop secondhand,” she says. Rather than racking up a large bill on a new outfit, she says, “You know, I feel like I made money.”
Amanda has a few tricks and tips up her sleeve for buying and selling pre-loved clothing and bags. First, she recommends making sure you market the clothes you’re selling. If you’ve brought something in to one of the shops on our list, post about your items on social media or tell your network; peer-to-peer reviews are the most trusted.
She also recommends checking the authenticity of luxury items before purchasing, though many platforms here in Dubai use services such as Entropy. Entropy authenticates items from a close-up photo (for a fee), but creates an authenticity receipt for each item. “Entropy will, if it does turn out to be fake at any point, refund you 100%,” Amanda says. It’s a great tool for resellers, and most stores here in Dubai use it as a guarantee.
“You know, the best advice I ever gave myself when I was pregnant was to let it go,” she says. Buy the item again when you’re ready. “Because there’s no point in having clothes that don’t make you feel good.”
Amanda’s Secondhand Shopping Roundup
Showcase DXB
Rent a stand at Showcase DXB (located in Dubai Business Park) and sell your used clothing on consignment. Just price out your items (the staff is happy to help with pricing suggestions) and you’ll receive any sales money at the end of the month.
Of course, you might need to browse the other stalls at Showcase DXB and pick up a few treasures before you head home.
Baby Bazaar
Children are always outgrowing clothes, making it an expensive business to always buy new. Once a month, Time Square Center Dubai hosts Baby Bazaar, a secondhand marketplace for parents. Browse through the wares or even rent your own stand to sell off all those kids’ clothes piling up in the wardrobe.
For Amanda, Baby Bazaar is not just about the clothes; it’s also about community. “I had really, really good chats with mums when I was pregnant and didn’t know what I should buy or whether or not this was actually wearable.”
Thrift for Good
This Dubai classic is actually a nonprofit charity shop that adheres to the values of their name: 100% of their profits go to Gulf for Good children’s charity projects. They currently operate four stores across Dubai, with a Sustainability Hub in Al Quoz that hosts sewing classes, kids’ workshops, and even styling sessions.
Amanda loves this store because of the wide variety of items available, from men’s and women’s fashion to books, purses, and shoes. If you’re on the hunt for affordable clothes, or want your used clothing to give back, Thrift for Good is definitely the place to go.
Luxury Items
La Suite
La Suite is one of Amanda’s favorite locations for medium – premium and luxury clothes. With an online and retail store, patrons can browse their high-quality pieces (always in excellent condition) or sell their own luxury items.
“That’s where I would get beautiful brands all the way from Isabel Marant to Bottega and even Chanel at a fraction of the cost,” she says. At the moment, La Suite only has women’s clothes, but this Al Wasl Road shop is a must-see destination if you’re looking for luxury items.
Garderobe
Another pre-loved luxury shop on Al Wasl Road, Garderobe also maintains an online presence (with a handy pricing table on their website so sellers know what to expect). “You’re more likely to find Dior and Gucci in there, but the owner is ex-fashion as well. So she knows the pieces that she’s curating,” Amanda says. Pay attention to their large stock and their excellent yearly sales.
Reem’s Closet
Reem’s Closet has been a staple of Dubai since 2008. This pre-loved fashion store has two locations around town, a website, and often hosts weekend pop-ups. Beyond buying and selling, the brand also offers the opportunity to trade items.
For all those with a love of accessories, have a look at their substantial collection of pre-loved and vintage handbags.
Business of Pre-Loved Fashion
Located in Goshi Warehouse City, Business of Pre-Loved Fashion is run by a husband-and-wife team here in Dubai. This well-stocked online and retail company specializes in luxury items, such as Chanel and Hermes, selling most of its items on consignment.
One nice thing: the Business of Pre-Loved Fashion is happy to schedule pick-ups and valuations of your items, so you never need to face the traffic in order to drop items off for sale.
Pre-Loved Apps to Download
Yalla BB
Fully online, Yalla BB is an app-only resale brand built especially for MENA. Buy and sell across the region (lower shipping fees), and they even offer a concierge service that helps sellers take great photos and accurately price items.
&Again
A UAE-only app, &Again is run by the stylish Roanne El-Alaili. Run on a three-tiered system, &Again offers options for general sellers and buyers, influencers with massive closets, and even a mini-thrift shop storefront. &AGain also prioritizes sustainable, eco-friendly brands, ensuring that buyers are purchasing items that were good for the planet from the start.
