MANILA, PHILIPPINES — In recent months, the narrative surrounding the Philippines’ thrift and upcycling fashion scene has turned towards concerns of gentrification. People have voiced their concerns surrounding the delicate balance between the subjective valuation of the items in the vintage market and addressing issues like overpricing that can alienate those posed to enter the scene as new enthusiasts.
in the middle of these haggling conversations, we see ourselves hanging in the balance of a fine line, trying to ask the important question: Is thrifting gentrified, or did we just start valuing products for their material worth and cultural value?
A recent study of 13,400 participants by Vestaire Collective, an online retailer of secondhand clothing, shared that, on average, vintage and pre-loved items get 76% more wear than your standard fast fashion product. Not only that, but the study finds that it is 33% cheaper to invest in vintage products rather than fast fashion in the long run.
This study signifies the benefits of mindful consumption and the consideration of treating garments and objects as financial and cultural artifacts. The thriving scene of vintage curation has driven people to value and appreciate vintage items as more than just commodities.
Beyond material worth, these sought-after pieces that are buried in random piles of assorted products carry a rich heritage, silently telling the stories of bygone eras and individuality that go beyond mere fads and trends. The notion that a product should lose its value just because it has aged and drifted from retail store clothing racks to piles of hand-me-downs sold by the sack is a failed notion that only perpetuates the capitalist culture of “New is better.”
Season Pass, at the forefront of the Philippines’ vintage trade and flea market community, stands as co-author of the evolving vintage culture, focusing on selling products and fostering a deeper understanding and respect for the history and craftsmanship behind each find. Its curation process and the kinship that Season Pass, along with other curators, have built is a testament to this ethos, as it strives to showcase the sustainability and community that comes with the love for vintage fashion.
As the conversation around gentrification continues, we urge ourselves to remember that vintage culture champions our people’s passion for objects and garments with cultural value. Season Pass’ mission is to constantly live by the undying cliche of embracing the old while welcoming the new, to honor heritage while pushing boundaries.
In this spirit, Season Pass extends an invite to “Good Old Days 4,” the country’s biggest community flea market now in its fourth edition. It celebrates a two-day hunt for nostalgia, creativity, and the sheer delight of rediscovering timeless pieces.
Let’s navigate the “genthriftication” landscape with an eye for value, a deep respect for heritage, and an unwavering commitment to preserving the old soul of vintage culture.
To simply answer the question, Season Pass remarked: “Mahal na ang ukay, dahil mahal na ng tao ang ukay.” (Thrifting has become more costly because people value it more.)
For more information, follow Good Old Days on Instagram at @goodolddays.ww and like the Facebook page.
