Second-hand-September

Nowadays, Second-Hand is gaining more and more popularity. For example, 19% of the German population buy their clothes via various internet portals, such as ebay, upup.com or rebelle.com, and around 15% buy clothes in retail stores (Modeverband Deutschland, 2020). However, in order to offer second-hand goods a larger platform, the "Second-Hand-September" was introduced.

ABOUT SECOND-HAND-SEPTEMBER - THE STORY

Since 2019, this campaign, created by the aid and development organization Oxfam in the UK, inspires people around the world to a more sustainable approach to fashion. Oxfam is known for its global commitment to human rights and the fight against inequality in terms of poverty and injustice. With the campaign, the organization calls on people to buy nothing new apart from second-hand goods for 30 days and also to donate (Oxfam, 2022).

Now you might be wondering what the purpose of this is. We can answer this question quite simply: It is for a better environment and to boycott fast fashion. More details later! And let's be honest: Your closet will also thank you if you sort it out properly. Because on average, each of us doesn't wear 64% of his clothes - an extreme waste (Statista, 2022)! To prevent the waste, you have the opportunity in September to become a part of this movement. According to the motto: Doing good, sorting out old loads and at the same time finding new unique items to fall in love with - we think that sounds pretty cool!

WHY IS SECOND-HAND SO IMPORTANT?

According to the European Commission (2022), European consumption of textiles has the fourth highest impact on the environment and climate change, after food, housing and mobility. As a consequence, heat waves, melting polar ice caps and other natural disasters are the reactions of nature due to the worldwide increase in greenhouse gas emissions (European Commission, 2022).

To understand the issue even better, let's look at an example: The production of a new pair of jeans is estimated to emit 16.2 kg of CO2. This corresponds to a car journey of 58 miles/ 93 km- a frightening result (Oxfam, 2022)! Hence, climate change is an issue that has affected all of humanity for years, which is why various sustainability measures must be taken. So there could be no better time to act now.

By donating and wearing clothes several times, we can contribute to reducing the demand for new clothes, which means we do less damage to the environment. In particular, supporting aid organizations, like Oxfam, can help tackle global inequalities and poverty, as they invest the proceeds of sold clothing in social projects. Even though we don't believe that the responsibility for the solution to a more sustainable environment lies with us as consumers, Second-Hand September can play a part in helping us live a more environmentally conscious life.

HOW CAN I CONTRIBUTE MY PART TO SUSTAINABLE FASHION?

Do you feel like adding sustainable value to the world? - Then welcome to the Fashion Rebels team! You'll see, it's easier than you think! To make sure you succeed in your mission, we'll give you a few tips.

You have a full closet and only wear half of it anyway? Then give yourself a push and sell your clothes on providers such as Ebay Kleinanzeigen, Vinted or Vestiare Collective -from our own experience, we can say it works great! Or donate your mountain of clothes directly to charitable organizations!

No clothes to sell at home? And you want to invest sustainably in used fashion? Then you can go shopping sustainably. For this purpose, your Repair Rebels team has compiled a Favoriteslist of second-hand stores in Düsseldorf - for every style and every budget!

And don't forget to socialize! In the past year alone, more than 50,000 people posted pictures on social media with the caption #SecondHandSeptember. So when you grab a new favorite second-hand-piece, you can promote the campaign with the hashtag and generate more attention and awareness for sustainable fashion (marie claire, 2022).

SECOND HAND-SHOPS IN DÜSSELDORF - RECOMMENDATION REPAIR REBELS

BROKE

PICTURES @broke.thestore

ADDRESS:: Tußmannstr. 5, Düsseldorf

This little centerpiece has a lot to offer especially for men, but also women will certainly find some treasures here. Here you can find bags, cool oversized shirts and sneakers, but also new goods are occasionally there. The style goes more in the direction of street and sportswear with brands like Vans, Adidas, G-Star, etc..

FRAUENZIMMER VINTAGE

PICTURES @frauenzimmer_secondhandfashion

ADDRESS:: Bilker Allee 24, Düsseldorf

You can find high quality vintage clothes for women in "Frauenzimmer Vintage". Their concept is defined by french fashion and attractive prices. As well you can find there jewelry, accessories and furniture!

OXFAM

PICTURES @oxfam_de

ADDRESS:: Nordstraße 9, Düsseldorf

If you want to do something social at the same time with your second-hand-purchase, we can recommend Oxfam. The globally active development organization fights against poverty with the help of donated goods. For example, you can buy clothes, books and decorations.

THE MINTAGE

PICTURES @the_mintage

ADDRESS:: Wallstraße 27, 40213 Düsseldorf

Classic vintage goods from the U.S. and looks from the 60s to 80s are neat to buy here. Between fancy indie designer brands, cowboy boots and funny retro details, you can of course also find second-hand-designer-clothes here. A visit is always worthwhile in any case!

UNTOLD-UNISEX

PICTURES @untoldshop__

ADDRESS:: Currently only the Onlineshop

Untold's online concept offers uniysex-vintage- and second-hand-clothing, as well as accessories. For them, clothing is defined by personality rather than being tied to a gender. With the help of other designers and companies, they create sustainable collections that can be easily integrated into everyday life.

KOKO SELECTED

PICTURES @koko.selected

ADDRESS:: Hermannstraße 47, 40233 Düsseldorf

Also in this store, located in Düsseldorf, you will find second-hand-clothes of good quality and modern look. There are no specific brands. Instead, there's a mix of curated fast fashion and vintage-clothing.In addition, clothing for children, as well as a small new goods assortment of sustainable fashion, accessories and decorative items are offered (Textilwirtschaft, 2021).

OLIVAS VINTAGE

PICTURES @olivas_vintage

ADDRESS:: Bilker Allee 62, 40219 Düsseldorf

Olivas Vintage is one of the oldest vintage stores in Düsseldorf and you will feel like you are in a time machine there. Anyone who is interested in fashion with a past, most of which is even hand-sewn, will find what they are looking for here. By the way: There is a large assortment selection for men here!

SUPERBRANDS

ADDRESS:: Bastionstr. 10, 40213 Düsseldorf

This is a luxury designer store with excellent quality. There is both a great store in Düsseldorf (Carlstadt) and a location in Frankfurt. Those who are looking for second-hand bags, clothing and accessories from luxury brands will definitely find what they are looking for here.