Siena Filippi

I think, at least for me, when I was a kid, I was way too influenced by what other people were deeming cool. And then in turn, I felt forced to wear things that were maybe not suitable for my body type, not really my style, and honestly, not making me feel confident. I was just wearing them to blend in, essentially. But then once I figured out my style for myself and leaned creatively into what I was drawn to, I found myself feeling more confident and more cool because I actually felt like it was aligning with who I was and my self-expression.

And for me, that was through thrifting because it made me feel unique and special to find something that spoke to me as opposed to walking into a retail store and being told through their marketing tactics, ‘you should be wearing this. ’ But I do think I'm not doing that entirely independently from what I'm observing as trendy or in style. There is definitely inspiration, but finding it in your own way fulfills that sector of maybe feeling cool or confident. And I do think cool and confident go together, because I think if you're feeling confident in what you're putting on your body, then you're going to feel cool.

That goes for thrifted pieces, too, that you think are really cool and unique. For example, you may think, “Oh, this is vintage 60s, and I love the 60s, and this makes me feel like a doll, and that makes me feel really cool.” So, I think it's about taking the time to explore fashion and what feels good on your body, what makes you feel confident, and colors or patterns that make you feel inspired. And I think enough time experimenting in that will lead you to that final feeling of cool and confident.

I have seen a rise even in the past couple of years in more marketed sustainable fashion shows. Not only because I think it looks good for a brand, but I am also hoping that there is genuine intent behind creating more sustainable fashion. So, at least efforts are being made. The way that these fashion shows are going, and fashion is evolving, it's a little more imaginative. For example, there'll be items of clothes down the runway that could be a scrap of fabric, and I could take the scrap of fabric I have lying around and imitate something similar. So, I think it helps you reinvent some things from your own closet, or incorporate reused garments. I was seeing a lot of flowy garments, or lacy things, or smaller pieces of fabric that are just additions to the outfit. So, I think it pushes creativity in terms of reinventing your process and what you have.

But I also think for the people that aren't looking at fashion through a thrifting lens or a sustainable lens, maybe they would be pushed to go buy something new. So, I don't know. I can only come from my perspective, and that's what I come away thinking, but I guess it could also have the opposite effect of having someone feel pressure to buy things that keep up with that. But I know there are plenty of people who go out and buy new outfits for New York Fashion Week, which I'm not necessarily in favor of. I think it's kind of split down the middle to answer your question.