Fashion, advocacy and provenance at the little vintage shop

MANILA, Philippines — In this age of environmental “wokeness,” pre-loved clothing stores have taken on a new life. Whereas in the past, these outlets were given the cold shoulder by prominent society, they are now the go-to of well-heeled advocates of renewable fashion and environmental protection.

Internationally, this call to action has been heeded by celebrities such as film actress Winona Rider, Academy Award winner Dame Helen Mirren, Sex and the City star Sara Jessica Parker and the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle. To these women, thrift shops are a treasure trove of garments that have a wealth of stories and history.

Fully aware of this movement, the Zonta Club Makati and Environs held a pre-loved clothing sale at the Makati Garden Club along Ayala Avenue corner EDSA in Makati City. The Little Vintage Shop showcased a wide range of beautiful, well-curated garments from some of the most respected society women in Philippine society.

Black silk crepe with white organza ruffled collar with beads by Inno Sotto from Olga Martel

Among the generous donors were Bea Zobel Jr., Patsy Zobel, Gina Aboitiz, Olga Martel and Bettina Osmeña.

Among the many fashion items sold were clothes, shoes and accessories from Prada, Miu Miu, Philip Lim, Carolina Herrera, Victoria Beckham, Zimmerman, J Crew, Celine, Ralph Lauren, Kate Spade, Tods, Jimmy Choo, Zara, Mango, Banana Republic, Rajo Laurel, and Maureen Disini.

Johann Strauss Society of the Philippines head and society doyenne Olga Martel donated several ball gowns from “Dean of Philippine Fashion” Ben Farrales, as well as prominent couturiers Auggie Cordero, Inno Sotto, Christian Espiritu and Giovanni Sanna. Lifestyle columnist Joanne Zapanta-Andrada gave her collection of Ito Curata gowns. Bea Zobel Jr. shared her treasure by parting with several designer sweaters, jackets and jewelry.

Burgundy silk taffeta pleated long gown by Auggie Cordero from Olga Martel

The Little Vintage Shop’s project head Penny Lopez-Katigbak shared, “Inspired by our travels where I always find myself drawn to the intricacies of flea markets, I just love how people from different countries value things with providence. On a personal level, when my mom passed, my sisters and I always found comfort in wearing her pieces as warm remembrances of her. Pre-loved clothing always has a story to tell and value.”

Fellow project organizer Mel Mora Asuncion shared, “This endeavor was a win-win situation for everyone. Shoppers got a chance to buy clothes for a fraction of original cost from women of distinction and taste, donors got to share their treasures with others, the practice of environmental protection was promoted and proceeds from this project went to a very good cause.”

Proceeds from The Little Vintage Shop sale went to the Zonta Club Makati and Environs’ Psychological Center for Sexually Abused Girls in Muntinlupa. The center has continued to provide group and individual therapy to over 10,000 girls since 1997.

For more details about The Little Vintage Shop, visit https://www.instagram.com/thelittle_vintageshop or call Zonta Club Makati and Environs at 09985808779.