KOTA KINABALU: Rachelle Shen is out to prove that wearing second hand clothing has its values, especially among the younger generation.
The 24-year-old Sabahan, who studied fashion design, has been acquiring used clothing as she believes these items deserve a second shot instead of being discarded.
"Some of the clothing have very nice fabric but it is not a good design. Therefore, I upcycled it by altering them.
"I started my brand The Alterreal in July 2020, which was during the movement control order, by using used clothes for masks," she told the New Straits Times when met at the Store.Y event in Riverson here yesterday.
Now, she also sells festival outfits, two-piece sets, corset tops, and bags among others via website and social media.
Apart from getting the materials from second-hand shops, Shen also received clothes donated by others. For bags, she uses global recycled standard fabric.
As for the price, she has set it between RM40 and RM200 depending on the complexity of the design.
Initially her business was slow but her clothing designs, which are quirky and colorful, managed to attract young buyers locally and internationally.
"I am surprised of the feedback, instead of thinking it is gross to wear second hand clothing, they are saying that it is something cool.
"In fact, I am doing this to bring awareness to people on conscious and intentional buying of clothing to prevent wastage, fast fashion and the labour or human beings involved in making these garments.
"We should also not buy just to look cute once and never wear them again," she said.
Shen's clothing line can be viewed at https://thealterreal.site/