Medellín is Colombia's fashion capital. The textile industry, which has characterized its metropolitan area for decades, has evolved and consolidated itself as an epicenter of the continent's southern hemisphere. Production, tailoring, fashion, models, major brands, retail, wholesale, and export trade, and the two major events that encompass this entire universe—Colombiatex and Colombiamoda—are now part of the city-region's DNA. Medellín has gained international recognition as an important fashion center. With its year-round spring-like climate and vibrant culture, it has become a mecca for fashion lovers and emerging designers; in other words, I live in the South American mecca of fashion and emerging design. I don't know whether to feel lucky or, frankly, not overwhelmed by so many clothes, because I'm not the type of girl who goes crazy for having a giant and varied dressing room. Clothing has always been a complicated topic in my life; I really didn't like going shopping, so I always tried to do it out of work commitments. I worked in an office, so I tailored my clothes to that: formal wear. But the truth is, I think clothing manufacturing is an interesting topic, but also a worrying one.
I currently support the circular economy; I firmly believe that we can support, promote, and foster clean economic systems where waste is converted into resources and re-enters the productive system. Not only does it help reduce the amount of waste generated, but it also reduces the extraction of natural resources, and the immediate savings are obviously visible at the time of purchase, in the case of secondhand clothing.
In Medellín, you can find secondhand clothing from the most improvised shops on the streets, emerging entrepreneurs who create new clothes and designs using secondhand clothing, and even high-end ventures (clothing with exclusive brand labels that for some reason were discarded). There are so many options, for all tastes and budgets; personally, it's been very helpful for me to buy only what's necessary, when I really need it, and I usually go to street shops or fairs. I think there are incredible pieces; I feel good supporting small entrepreneurs, who are mostly women, so if you haven't done so, just try it and you might like it more than you think.
I really like this little shop run by a girl and her little sister. It's close to my house. Every weekend it's always changing with new merchandise. It usually sells merchandise that is in very good condition—no stains, no tears—and the prices are really incredible, and she is very dedicated to the pieces. She always delivers them clean; she washes them, so that's what I like a lot about this little shop. Also, the prices are very affordable. I actually passed by there and was looking for a black shirt. I didn't find it, but I did find a spectacular bodysuit. It cost me 2 dollars, and the piece was really incredible, so really, people who haven't done it, try to practice it or be a little curious and look for good places to get some pieces. This is a good place.
There are some truly incredible pieces. I saw many with tags from well-known stores, pieces that cost one dollar, three dollars, or five dollars. The most expensive piece I saw was 10 dollars, and it's a refurbished jacket—that is, they buy used items, used pieces, and remake them. I thought it was spectacular for someone with more daring tastes.
Thank you for reading my small work; thank you for the support. I hope you'll be encouraged to visit places like this, where you can give those pieces that are still in perfect condition a chance, and support small entrepreneurs. I think you can have a pleasant time, get worthwhile things, and, without a doubt, provide incredible support for a circular economy. Thank you.
💻 Written by me.
📸 Camera and editing: Tecno Camon 20 pro
🖇️ Translator DeepL
