University of New Mexico Students Organize Depop Clothing Pop-Up Market

The event, organized by UNM Depop Campus manager Thrift 66 Vintage, featured around 30 vendors selling vintage clothing along Vassar Drive near Central Campus. Many vendors sourced their items from thrift stores, yard sales, online sellers, and personal collections, contributing to the sustainable fashion movement.

Depop operates globally as both an app and a website, providing a platform for selling second-hand goods, and partners with local ambassadors to facilitate pop-up events like the one held in Albuquerque. Thrift 66 Vintage is managed by Riley Brennan and his partner Luke Montoya, who are student ambassadors for Depop in the area. Brennan stated that they coordinate with other Depop resellers to organize similar markets throughout the city.

Brennan emphasized the significance of individual expression through unique clothing, stating, "I believe having unique clothing to express yourself is so important as an individual, being able to curate pieces for my customers that won’t be worn or owned by anyone else is something I take great pride in. I think as a whole in society, consumerism has run rampant, and being able to combat that with what little we can do goes a long way in having a sustainable culture for years to come."

Several vendors noted that entering the realm of sustainable fashion demands considerable time and effort. Searching through sales and bins for the perfect items often requires hours of dedication, followed by photographing and listing them online.

Vendor Arain Castillo remarked on the joy of sustainable fashion, saying, "You never know what you’re gonna find at the end of the day. I had a bucket list of stuff and all of a sudden I just came across it."

Fellow vendor Caroline Butler observed that each seller has their own distinct style and approach to sourcing pieces. "I think that I’m still learning my style because every seller has their own aesthetic," Butler noted.

Thrift 66 plans to host these pop-up events sporadically throughout the year, with aspirations for a monthly occurrence. With cooler weather attracting many attendees, Brennan highlighted this event as one of the largest held this year.