Students at the University of Tennessee browsed, purchased and sold vintage clothes and accessories on Thursday, Oct. 9, outside of the Student Union. Hosted by the Sustainable Fashion Club at UT, the market was a success for both customers and vendors.
A total of 12 vendors set up their booths of vintage finds, hoping to encourage students to shop sustainably. The purchasing of fast fashion amongst college students has grown tremendously due to low prices and convenience. Tyler Jordan, the vice president of the Sustainable Fashion Club at UT, explained that prices at the market aim to fit the budget of a college student.
“Majority of us don’t have $80 to spend on a jacket,” Jordan said.
While price tags are marked on each item, Jordan explains that the price isn’t always final and most prices can be negotiated.
Lauren Leather, a junior at UT studying nuclear engineering and a vendor at the market, explained that she feels she sells her items at a reasonable price. Leathers takes into consideration the price she paid for the item.
“I know sometimes things get pretty expensive, but we’re all college students,” Leather said.
Student vendors are able to set up booths for free while nonstudent vendors pay a small fee.
“Any student who wants to sell, all they have to do is join the club and they will get a free spot to come out here and sell their clothes for the day,” Jordan said.
Alex Moore, a vendor at the market and owner of IT Girl, has been vending with the Sustainable Fashion Club since last year. Moore’s booth swarmed with students mesmerized by her collection of jewelry.
“I do a lot of solid gold, sterling silver, costume stuff, watches and it’s really fun.” Moore said.
Jacob McCarthy, a first time vendor with the organization, explained that the event has been successful for him and he plans to continue participating in the future.
“It’s so cool being able to be a part of the campus atmosphere,” McCarthy said. “Some people knew we were going to be here and some people didn’t.”
The location of the event offered convenience to students walking in between classes.
The organization plans to host another market next month. To stay updated on upcoming events, follow the Sustainable Fashion Society on Instagram.
“Shop sustainable,” Jordan said. “A lot of fast fashion is targeted in this world a lot and we all subject ourselves to it … but the best thing to do is to make ourselves aware of that and to go on and make a better impact and make a better footprint on Earth.”
