Fashion has become somewhat of a heated discussion, with valid arguments being made on all sides of the debate around the ethics of supporting fast-fashion chains, local clothing suppliers, or thrift stores.
Fast fashion chains, such as Mr Price or H&M, provide a more affordable alternative to the clothing you might see at fashion shows on the catwalk. Affording young people the opportunity to express themselves through fashion, on a budget.
Many believe that it is unethical to support fast-fashion chains, as they often source their clothing from untrustworthy suppliers who take advantage of unskilled workers and implement unethical labor practices.
Others argue that local, upcycled or thrifted clothing is often much more expensive and inaccessible for people who are not in a particular position of privilege. Claiming that fast fashion suppliers allow them access to a particular look they could not otherwise achieve with their regular budget.
Sulinda Muller, owner of Malaki and founder of Second Chances, believes that she can use fashion and vintage clothing to empower women in and around the Stellenbosch area.
Muller’s youngest son was diagnosed with cancer when he was only four years old. Although this was an unimaginably difficult period, racing to and from the hospital through her son’s journey of recovery led to her becoming incredibly passionate about supporting other women who are overcoming their own storms.
She went on to set up a pop-up shop together with five other women, which led to Muller meeting a woman who had suffered terrible abuse, whose story became the inspiration for the name ‘Second Chances’. Muller was motivated to start selling second-hand clothes together with new items – giving old items a new life.
“Even though I knew I should open a shop, the fear of failure was so great that I didn’t even want to start. Then I saw an image of a baby in a walking ring and realised, I’m in a safe space. Baby steps.”
Today Malaki is a flourishing shop in Stellenbosch, with a second outlet coming soon in Kayamandi. Using this second outlet, Muller hopes to create employment by selling residual clothing that might not appeal to Malaki’s customers.
Muller says it is important for her that others know the shop is not just about sales – “it’s about connecting with people, being sensitive to know when someone needs an encouraging word. It’s a platform to bring a message of hope to people who desperately need it. It’s not just about sustainable living and giving clothing a second chance, it’s also about giving people second chances.”
