Tako’s Secondhand is taking thrifted fashion from the clothing rack to the runway with its first-ever Fashion Show & Fundraiser Gala on September 25th. The evening will celebrate secondhand style, local creativity, and the possibilities hiding in the clothes and materials we already have.
The event will feature emerging Memphis designers, stylists, and up-cycle artists, each creating new looks using secondhand clothing and/or materials. Erica Qualy, founder and co-owner of Tako’s Secondhand (along with the other co-owners Grace John, Kate Kelley, and Brookelyn Culley), says the idea grew from a desire to stage another fashion show — and from the shop’s efforts to raise funds for a permanent brick-and-mortar location.
“We’re all about secondhand and sustainability and making that mainstream, palatable, and cool,” Qualy says. “You can create new looks out of old clothing and threads.”
And don’t expect the evening to feel like your average thrift-store outing. Guests are encouraged to dress up in their own best secondhand finds, with Qualy hoping to see “bold statement outfits, sequins, and handmade and bespoke pieces.” In other words, this is your chance to finally wear that fabulous thing that’s been sitting in the back of your closet, waiting for its moment.
The runway lineup includes designers Nancy Cebrian of Mía Nance, Blaze Pointer of Junk, Sami Reed of Time To Waste Vintage, and Paige Hansen of Laleh Harker, along with stylists Ali Bush of Far Out Styling, James Waka Flocka Reed of Time To Waste Vintage, and Qualy herself (of Styled by Serena). Up-cycle artists Gabriella Lynne of GL Embroidery and Lex McCarrens of Moxie’s Boudoir, along with Angelia Sparrows of Love and Spite Creations, will also present their work. Khalifa Kofi will host, with DJ Prozak spinning vinyl.
For Qualy, secondhand fashion is about more than sustainability. It’s also about individuality. “Secondhand fashion gives the buyer more of a chance to develop their own style and refine their own tastes,” she says.
With a runway full of one-of-a-kind looks and a cause rooted in community, Tako’s first Fashion Show & Fundraiser Gala aims to prove that what’s secondhand can still make a big first impression.
Proceeds will support Tako’s efforts toward a permanent location, with a portion of ticket sales benefiting local organizations that support Memphis’ LGBTQ community. For more info, check out Tako’s Secondhand on Instagram: @takos_secondhand
TAKO’S SECONDHAND FASHION SHOW, TAKO’S COURTYARD, 240 MADISON AVE., SUITE 101, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, DOORS 6 P.M., SHOW AT 7 P.M.
