The Get Flee Market returned to the Sandlot Georgetown, marking the comeback of their monthly curated flea markets.
The organization’s first event since last December was accompanied by a DJ and a bar. The Get Flee Market is known as a hub for vintage and upcycling lovers, and the event’s turnout only confirmed the popularity of the reselling scene in the DMV area.
Darius Stanton, one of the curators of The Get Flee Market alongside Khary Scott, spoke on their reasons for putting together the event. “We’re just trying to create a community of folks that are really passionate about fashion, lifestyle, and all things creative and sustainable.”
The market’s Georgetown location attracts a younger crowd.
Tables and clothing racks filled with vintage and upcycled clothing, lifestyle and home goods, framed photography, and other miscellaneous items occupied the entire perimeter of the venue. Over a dozen vendors, hand selected by the event curators, were kept busy with bartering customers and catching up with fellow resellers.
Cody, owner of De La Surp, is known for his vast collection of camouflage and military paraphernalia
Cody, owner of De La Surp, stood in front of one corner filled to the brim with streetwear and camouflage clothing. While some might think that the thrifting business would be predominately women-led, he claims that the resell industry is much more balanced.
“Most of the events that I’ve set up here in the DMV, it is mostly male vendors,” he said. “Online, I have seen that dominated by women like Depop. But most of the 70s, 80s, 90s, Y2K stuff that I’ve seen is mostly male vendors, at least around here. New York, Philly, LA, like bigger cities, the vintage market does have a lot more female sellers selling older, antique stuff.”
Fei Mancho, owner of Feivorite Gems, is a frequent vendor at events such as this. Her clothing racks full of vintage and reworked pieces drew in a steady crowd. “I have always thrifted growing up,” she said. “So just seeing how my style has evolved through that has given me this eye to curate stuff for people so they can buy and feel just as good as I feel when I pick up a really good piece. Then the biggest thing is quality, a lot of things that were made in the past are just really good quality, handmade, and the materials used are just longer lasting compared to what’s made today. Makes the world go round for me!”
Fei Mancho is a trusted source of vintage clothing for the more trendy thrifters.
One shopper, Tito Igbinyemi, picked up some home goods before she shared her thoughts on what many consider the problematic side of the reselling industry. “I’m half and half,” she said. “Personally, in terms of thrift shopping, I used to do that quite a bit when I was younger, and it was quite difficult for me to find pieces that I liked. But I feel like with events like this it’s a bit easier because the stuff is more curated.
Tito Igbinyemi with her new (to her) home decor.
Now, in terms of how people price it, I don’t necessarily think it’s fair when people buy things for really low prices then bring it here and charge it for something that’s absolutely insane. I feel like if people are going to resell then it should be reasonably priced.
I understand you want to make a profit, but it shouldn’t be anything too crazy to where you’re inconveniencing people when they could have just went to the actual thrift store and bought it for that low price they were searching for.”
