A New Fashion Phenomenon in Boston
While New York Fashion Week captivated the fashion elite, Boston experienced its own sartorial spectacle with a democratic twist. The inaugural MASSive Thrift Market, hosted by Select Markets and Thrift2Death on September 14, transformed the area around Roxbury’s Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center into a bustling hub of vintage and Y2K fashion enthusiasts.
An Overwhelming Response
The event’s popularity was evident from the start, with a queue snaking around nearby buildings. Fashion-forward attendees, dressed in their finest, braved the late-summer heat for hours, eager to explore the treasure trove of second-hand clothing and accessories awaiting them inside.
More Than Just Shopping
The MASSive Thrift Market offered more than just clothing. Attendees enjoyed a festival-like atmosphere complete with food trucks, temporary tattoos, tooth gems, complimentary drinks, and live DJs. Over 80 vendors showcased a mix of vintage and Y2K-era fashion, catering to a wide range of tastes and budgets.
A Diverse Shopping Experience
Samuel Mollineaux, a Northeastern University student, praised the event’s value despite the long wait. “If I had known the entire city of Boston was gonna be here today, then I would’ve paid for early entry,” he remarked. The market’s appeal lay in its diverse offerings, from affordable $5-$10 items to high-end vintage pieces exceeding $100.
Vendor Perspectives
Vendors like Romy Li, selling vintage denim and Y2K clothing, appreciated the event’s organization. “The coordinators of the event really helped if we needed help to move tables or racks,” Li said. The market also provided a platform for artisans like Hannah Gazdus and Maya Mau from MIT’s craft community, showcasing stickers, artwork, and handmade jewelry alongside clothing vendors.
The Masterminds Behind the Market
Select Markets co-founders Joshua Maizes and Joaquin Crosby-Lizarde, both fourth-year Northeastern students, conceived the idea out of a desire to invigorate Boston’s event scene and celebrate fashion. Their vision materialized into a resounding success, with Maizes reporting, “I think we had about 5,000 attendees throughout the whole event. It was really surreal.”
Curating the Perfect Mix
The duo’s meticulous vendor selection process ensures a diverse and high-quality shopping experience. “We are very selective, no pun intended, in terms of selecting vendors,” Maizes explained. Their approach has garnered nearly 20,000 Instagram followers in just a year, testifying to the market’s growing popularity.
A Sustainable Fashion Movement
The MASSive Thrift Market represents more than just a shopping event; it’s fostering a community centered around sustainable fashion. As Select Markets continues to expand, Maizes and Crosby-Lizarde aim to accommodate even more fashion enthusiasts at future events.
Looking Ahead
The success of this inaugural event bodes well for Boston’s fashion scene. As Mollineaux succinctly put it, “It was a little hectic, but I’d do it again.” This sentiment echoes the excitement surrounding this new addition to Boston’s cultural calendar, promising a bright future for sustainable fashion in the city.