High-Quality Second Hand Is a Counterattack Against Fast Fashion
In this blog interview, our long-time customer and circular economy superhero, Jaana Lehikoinen from Lehmo, North Karelia.
Your best second hand find?
This is hard to answer since there are so many, but for example a Louis Vuitton pochette, a Gucci belt, and a Uhana dress.
When and how did you get into second hand?
I got interested in second hand already as a young teenager, when my own style was just starting to form. I got excited about it again as an adult after my own children were born, when, for example, Emmy appeared, which made it easy to make purchases through the online store.
How did you find Emmy?
I started using Emmy almost immediately when Emmy started, the year was probably 2015 or 2016. A collection box came to Joensuu and I wanted to try the service for selling as well. Since then, I have been actively selling and buying.
What have you bought and sold on Emmy?
I have bought women’s, men’s, and children’s clothes, shoes, and accessories. I consider Emmy a reliable, interesting, and versatile place to shop, and it’s easy to use.
Best shopping or selling tips for Emmy?
Seasonal, high-quality, and well-known brand products sell quickly. I’m interested in fashion, so I like to look for inspiration on fashion house websites and then search for similar styles on Emmy, for example. I prefer high-quality materials and look for timeless classic clothing. I like unique clothes and accessories. I wear a lot of clothes that can be mixed and matched with different tops and bottoms. I also favor dresses.
What motivates you towards the circular economy?
In my opinion, high-quality second hand is a very important counterattack against fast fashion, which consumes natural resources excessively and lacks any personality. Not everything needs to be bought new, and some products, like leather bags, in my opinion, only get better with use. I buy products with the idea that they will last a long time and retain their value.
Has your view of second hand changed over time?
When I was younger, I didn’t really think about responsibility in the same way; maybe the money available determined that I went to thrift stores. Nowadays, I value quality, responsibility, and environmental friendliness, so second hand is an even stronger alternative to new.
What do you generally buy and sell second hand?
If I’m planning to buy something, I first consider whether I can get it used, for example children’s sports equipment, skates, skis, etc. I also pass them on, for example, through online flea markets or by selling at organized events. In practice, I think that most things I need could also be bought used.