The Never New Fashion Fair is all about sustainable fashion – and is taking the North Coast by storm.
Feel the thrill of discovering a designer dress at a fraction of the price, the joy of giving pre-loved fashion a new lease on life and the electric energy of a pop-up market where style meets sustainability. Welcome to Never New Fashion Fair, a high-energy shopping event that’s redefining second-hand fashion in Durban and surrounds.
Founded by Umhlanga locals Vasti McLeod and Tania Daniel, Never New Fashion Fair is more than just a thrift sale – it’s a movement. The idea was sparked when Vasti, who had been living in France, was swept up in the vintage shopping culture of Paris and London. Meanwhile, across the globe in Japan, Tania was having a similar experience with second-hand fashion markets.
“We did a lot of vintage shopping and thrifting overseas – it was everywhere, so affordable, and so fun!” Vasti says. But when they returned to South Africa, they noticed a gap. “We all have beautiful things in our closets, pieces we love but no longer wear. Why not create a space where those items could find a second home?” And so, the Never New Fashion Fair was born.
What started as a small gathering two years ago with just ten clothing rails in Vasti’s home, has exploded into a must-attend event. “The first fair had about 100 people; now we get over 600 shoppers through the doors in just five hours,” says Vasti. “At our last event, we sold more than 2000 items. It’s insane!”
Unlike traditional second-hand stores, Never New Fashion Fair is a curated experience. Vendors undergo a strict vetting process to ensure quality, and shoppers can expect high-end, gently worn fashion pieces from both local and international brands. “We want to elevate the idea of sustainable fashion,” says Tania. “It’s not about worn-out clothes thrown together – it’s about giving classic, stylish pieces a second chance.”
The fair is also a celebration of community and women in business. “We work with local female entrepreneurs, from candle makers to jewellery designers,” says Tania. “It’s about creating a platform where women can support each other while having a fabulous time. Picture this: shopping, Aperol spritz in hand, live DJ playing – it’s a vibe.”
As demand grows, the founders have big plans for expansion. “Sustainable fashion is the future,” says Vasti. “Globally, many major brands have second-hand platforms, and even luxury labels like Louis Vuitton and Gucci are embracing pre-loved fashion. We want to take Never New Fashion Fair nationwide because the appetite for this is huge.”
At its heart, Never New is about more than just shopping; it’s about shifting mindsets. “People are becoming more conscious of what they buy,” Tania notes. “We’re here to show them that second-hand can be stylish, sustainable and, most importantly, fun.”
Details: IG: @never_new_fashion_fair
