
As far as fashion start-ups go, upcycling apps never hugely appealed to me. Dry cleaners exist for hemming skirts and fixing zips. I already spend too much time on Vinted. And it felt fruitless to invest in an old purchase when struggling to keep up with the breakneck speed of trend cycles, as it was.
That was, until after a Wales Bonner sample sale in autumn 2024. You know, the one with the 1000-mile queue. There, I purchased a gorgeous striped men’s shirt for £100. It was beautifully made in silk, and really was unique. I proceeded to wear it once. Not a good ROI. And while I am not the most financially solvent human being, the buyer’s remorse was particularly strong.