03/08/2025

ON SUNDAY August 3, 2025 X theSunday Special

T HRIFTING isn’t just a pas time; it’s a way of life. As a self-declared shopaholic who believes in second chances (for clothes, people and porcelain decanters), I’ve come to realise that thrift shopping is part art, part luck and part obsessive compulsion. There’s a thrill in the hunt, the satisfaction of spotting a designer tag in a sea of fast fashion and the MR\ RI ¿QGLQJ D EHDXWLIXO LWHP DW D IUDFWLRQ of its original price. O YHU WKH \HDUV ,¶YH VFRXUHG ÀHD PDU kets, the Carousell app, yard sales and obscure vintage shops across Malaysia. While not every trip ends in gold, some of my finds have been nothing short of euphoric. Here are 10 of my most memorable second-hand scores and a few lessons I’ve learnt along the way. Alessandra Rich tweed suit set I came across this stunning Alessandra Rich tweed suit set while browsing an Instagram story sale hosted by a fashion stylist. At RM200, it was the priciest item I’ve ever thrifted — but also among the most valuable, with its original price tag estimated at RM8,000. The blazer’s slightly cropped cut and matching mini skirt screamed high fashion elegance. Tweed suits have expe rienced a resurgence, but this one stood out in a league of its own. I wear the pieces separately to avoid being “too styled” and they still turn heads. Thrifting tip: Don’t shy away from spending a bit more if the item is high quality, timeless and versatile.

10 most euphoric thrift ﮈà v®ˆ Ȝ½Ã

BY DAYANA SOBRI

Dolce & Gabbana peach gold brocade shift dress Let’s start strong. I found this Dolce & Gabbana peach gold brocade shift dress at a closet sale held by a well-known fashion magazine editor. At just RM15, it was an absurd steal, considering it originally retailed for over RM5,000. The thick brocade fabric and clean shift silhou ette had a retro ‘60s vibe, the kind of dress you could imagine Jackie Kennedy wearing to a state GLQQHU ,W ¿WV OLNH D GUHDP Thrifting tip: Follow local stylists, editors and fashion insiders on social media. They often do closet clean-outs with gems at throwaway prices.

Double-layered reverse painting mirror Acquired from Asmadi Ali, a respected antique dealer and seller based in Shah Alam, this shabby chic mirror is a rare find. With its turquoise-green frame made from salvaged window panels and a layered reverse glass painting inspired by Arthurian romance, this mirror is both functional and poetic. According to Asmadi, the illustration depicts a tender

moment between two lovers, where the woman’s anxiety about losing her partner contrasts with his peaceful contentment. A tame bird resting on the man’s hand symbolises trust and serenity, a reminder to live in the present. Thrifting tip: Build rapport with an tique dealers. Their stories and insights often add meaning (and value) to your ¿QGV

Repurposed Montecristo Cuban cigar box Who knew an empty cigar box could feel this luxurious? I picked up this repurposed Montecristo Cuban cigar box for around RM100. It had been ORYLQJO\ ODFTXHUHG DQG ¿WWHG ZLWK D velvet interior and ceramic drawer. It now holds my antique jewellery. Montecristo is among the most recognisable cigar brands and due to the US embargo on Cuba, Cuban cigars and memorabilia are collec tor’s items. This box oozes vintage cool, with a hint of rebellion. Thrifting tip: Look out for func tional items with character. Repur posed boxes, tins and containers often make chic storage options.

Vintage mink fur scarf from the 1940s This piece has a story. I found it tucked away in a Danish-owned vintage bou tique at Publika (which sadly has since closed). The genuine mink fur was luxuriously soft, dating back to the 1940s and cost me only RM50, a frac tion of its estimated value of RM300 or more. Vintage fur has become a controver sial topic, but buying it second-hand is a more sustainable option than purchas ing new. This scarf adds Old Hollywood glamour to a simple outerwear. Thrifting tip: Always inspect vintage fur closely for damage, bald patches or odours. A gentle hand wash or dry cleaning might be necessary.