Lydia Bolton On Why Secondhand is the Future of Fashion
Championing a slower, more mindful approach to fashion, Lydia Bolton is redefining what it means to get dressed in a world of overconsumption. With a focus on secondhand and circular design, she transforms unwanted textiles into pieces that feel both fresh and enduring. We caught up with Lydia to talk about why shopping consciously matters, her love of vintage finds, and how creativity can give clothes a second life.
Why do you think it’s so important to spread awareness of shopping sustainably and second-hand?
We currently have enough clothing for the next 6 generations!! We've produced SO much and generally have a really wasteful approach to clothing. We often don't value the resources used to make the clothing, we don't value the people that made the clothing and we don't care that it typically ends up in landfill, polluting other countries. It's important we take a more circular and conscious approach to how we shop to show that we do care about the people and planet and will change our habits accordingly.
Do you shop secondhand and sustainably, and why?
Yes! I grew up shopping in charity shops with my parents, and shopping secondhand (or from independent & small brands) is predominantly how I shop. I love knowing that I've got something a bit different and more special; I love knowing my story behind the piece like getting a shirt from a vintage shop on holiday or buying a top from a small biz and feeling really proud to be wearing & supporting them. Ultimately, we vote with our money and so shopping secondhand and sustainably is a vital way to show support and help create a more sustainable world.
What are your top tips for creating a more sustainable/conscious wardrobe?
Be mindful with what you buy! Don't buy things because they're in trend but rather think about your personal style and get pieces that really align with it and what makes you feel good. And when you want something, think about it for a while before buying! I see so many things I want but then 2 weeks later, I've totally forgotten about them. Or if after a month you still really want it, then it's more likely it's going to be something you're going to wear and use for a long time. Even when shopping secondhand, it's important to be mindful of consumption. The other really important thing is showing care to your belongings though how we wash & dry them and mend/repair them.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
I love being able to use my creativity to turn unwanted items into something that people will want to wear and use again! It's really rewarding to see the transformation and know that because of the work put in, a discarded/secondhand material can now have a new life.
And finally, we would love for you to share your favourite brands with us!
Sojo, Stripe and Stare, Molly O'Halloran, Lalo The Shop, ISLA DE GAR & Studio Kyodai.
