Ina, Nanni and Natascha write for the blog “fairlieben” and tested the consumption of second-hand clothes in Stuttgart for us.
SEZ: Can you briefly introduce yourself and your site?
fairlove: We are four women from Stuttgart and we deal with the topic of fair and slow fashion. On our homepage we provide suggestions and tips on how to live more sustainably.
SEZ: How long have you been buying second hand?
Ina: I can't even remember the first time I bought second-hand. Even as a child, I loved selling at the flea market, whether at the clothes bazaar at school, on Karlsplatz in Stuttgart or in Esslingen's old town. Thanks to the Kleiderkreisel app, my second-hand buying and selling has increased significantly.
SEZ: What is your personal favorite piece from the flea market or second-hand store and where did you find it?
Natasha: My personal favorite piece is my denim jacket, which I bought in the second-hand store Obscur in Stuttgart. Even though it has already been worn, it is still in perfect condition.
Ina: My favorite piece is a small, brown leather backpack that I bought a few years ago at “Das Kaufhaus immer was Gutes” in Stuttgart-Wangen. It is a social department store that sells cheap second-hand clothes. The backpack belonged to someone who has walked with it several times through rain and sun. That's why the top side is completely faded. For me it is an absolute space saver and I have often been asked where I bought it.
Nanni: My favorite piece is definitely my red vintage coat from Vinokilo. It keeps me cozy and warm in winter and is so fluffy that I fell in love with it from the start. Or my shiny metallic 80s bodysuit that I got at a clothing swap.
SEZ: Where can you find the best things in Stuttgart? And how do you find them? When are the best flea markets?
Nanni: There are an awful lot of flea markets in the area. For example, you can discover lots of great things at the autumn flea market in the city center. The vintage market, a shop on Tübingerstrasse, is also a real treasure trove. If you are looking for something special, you will definitely find it at Kleiderkreisel. And whatever excites us is public or private clothing swap parties. This Friday we are hosting another one with friends. It's a nice feeling when someone else is blown away by your old sweater that's just gathering dust in your closet.
SEZ: Why is the topic of fair fashion and second-hand important to you?
Nanni: Anyone who deals with the clothing industry will quickly come across unpleasant facts. That somehow spoils your desire to go shopping. Second-hand and fair labels are a good alternative.
Natasha: It was through the blog that I realized that even with small steps you can do something for yourself and therefore also for the world. But it's also about the fact that I've decided to no longer support conventional brands to the same extent that I did a year ago. I try to implement this decision every day and that makes me happy.