With Black Friday round the corner and Cyber Monday closing in, Depop is on a mission to encourage sustainable shopping through secondhand purchases – supporting creative entrepreneurs and circular fashion advocates.
The campaign #OwnItWithDepop has been launched to inspire positive consumption, normalising resale as a conscious alternative to fast fashion. And who better to front the campaign than our favourite and most stylish Love Island cast member, Ovie Soko?
A fan of the peer-to-peer shopping app, Soko has handpicked his favourite Depop sellers to be featured in his edit that will be available to shop from this Friday. @oliversarchive and @urbanmassif are just a few of the brands he has selected and, luckily, it includes both men’s and womenswear.
We caught up with Soko to hear more about his views on supporting sustainable fashion, as well as his tips for creating a long-lasting wardrobe…
Have you always had an interest in second-hand fashion? If so, is there a particular item you own that’s your favourite?
Ovie: There used to be a weird stigma with secondhand clothes that definitely doesn’t exist anymore – there’s been a huge shift in what ‘second-hand’ looks like and it’s recently been something that I’m thinking about much more. Obviously the benefits of shopping secondhand over going for something brand new, are huge for people and the planet. But I think it’s easier to get involved with now. Especially with Depop, you’ve got it all there in the palm of your hand to browse though – it’s just as easy as anything else, you can find loads of inspiration on styling and search for specific brands or designers. I think some of my most timeless clothing items I’ve had growing up belonged to my older brother before myself.
Why do you think supporting creative entrepreneurs and circular fashion advocates is important?
Ovie: After everything we’ve gone through this year, everyone is thinking how they can do better and I think this is one small way we can make positive changes. Shopping from small businesses more, and having that personal connection – that’s such a huge difference you can make to support them and what they’re doing, and you can own the impact you’re making. There’s a cool creative community on Depop all doing amazing things. @mojokojo celebrates African culture, all handmade in Nigeria with ethically sourced fabrics from Lagos. I’m a big trainer fan and @originalkicks has the best reloved Air Maxes. There’s some really rare stuff with all this history behind it, that you know no one else will have either, like this 1994 Vintage Nike Dunk Hoops Jersey from @hmsvintage is so dope.
What do you tend to do with unwanted items from your own wardrobe?
Ovie: For someone who shops a lot, I always come to a point where I need to find a new home for some of the stuff I don’t use so I definitely hope to to get selling some bits on Depop soon, as it’s so easy to set up and get started.
What are your tips for creating a long-lasting wardrobe?
Ovie: I always encourage people to stay true to themselves and express themselves through what they wear. I think the key is going for things you can wear and style together again and again. Stuff that isn’t necessarily ‘on trend’ but that you really, genuinely love. That’s what can make them timeless and solid pieces of your wardrobe. I’m all about investing in getting pieces altered to fit perfectly… being 6ft 7 that’s really key for me.
What’s your favourite womenswear piece in your edit?
Ovie: Big fan of @5amstory, she has some sweet 90’s sportswear jackets, joggers, re-worked custom sweatshirts and designer garms. This classic vintage Burberry Wool Coat would be a nice wardrobe addition for Winter. @hmsvintage also has some cool women’s stuff like these deadstock 2Pac jeans with the best straight-legged 90’s fit.
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