Blog

Shop Repurpose and Diversity  New York City (NYC) is home to millions of people of countless different communities, cultures, and backgrounds; Shop Repurpose honors this through the diversity in our carefully curated clothing collection and our Workforce Development Program. The program supports people from many backgrounds who struggle with overcoming socioeconomic and cultural barriers but are looking to start a career in fashion. To honor the diversity of our community, Shop Repurpose is taking a quick look at a few NYC neighborhoods to reflect on iconic styles that have influenced countless fashion trends. Manhattan Fashion Soho Style in Soho surrounds...

Barbie and the Shop Repurpose MissionLily BillottiThe Shop Repurpose MissionShop Repurpose, founded by Jessie Freschl, a wife, mom, and CEO, is a secondhand boutique and nonprofit organization that “aims to transition its net proceeds from sales into scholarships for young individuals pursuing higher education in the fashion and design industries” Our mission centers around supporting the concept of sustainable fashion while also growing our Workforce Development Program. This program offers readiness training and workforce development opportunities to young people who face varying socioeconomic and cultural barriers to success. Shop Repurpose places an emphasis on skill-building in a nurturing, supportive environment....

by Lily Billotti Background   The ‘Old Money aesthetic’, also known as ‘Quiet Luxury’, is an infamous fashion trend based on elegant and understated designs that avoid obvious logos or details; it draws from the concept of generational wealth and powerful ancestry. Quiet luxury aims to be elegant, timeless, and sophisticated; a look that exudes wealth and class without being flashy or ostentatious. Proponents of the aesthetic include famous brands such as Loro Piana, Brunello Cucinelli, Brioni, and Delvaux that feature the classic muted colors and modest cuts. This style has evolved through time as people of diverse backgrounds adapt the...

This week, Shop Repurpose welcomed 12 new interns, volunteers, and sales associates as the second cohort of our summer workforce program. 67% of this cohort were connected to Shop Repurpose through Ladders for Leaders which “offers outstanding high school and college students the opportunity to participate in paid professional summer internships with leading corporations, non-profit organizations and government agencies in New York City,” and Summer Youth Employment Program, which connects “NYC youth between the ages of 14 and 24 with career exploration opportunities and paid work experience”.  This group of changemakers joining us this summer range from seventeen to twenty-four...