During my college years, my friends and I would go thrifting—or more commonly known as “ukay-ukay”—along Aurora Boulevard on weekdays, at Sunday markets in Makati, and in Baguio vintage stores along Session Road. Back then, “ukay-ukay” was true to form: You literally had to dive into piles of clothes just to find some-thing worth keeping. Most of the pieces were overly worn and easily discarded, but every now and then, you’d strike gold. And that’s what made it so fulfilling—the thrill of the hunt.

A few of my most treasured finds remain in my closet to this day: a pair of early ‘90s Prada leather-and-nylon sandals, a Gucci by Tom Ford black patent shoulder bag with the iconic G logo, a sheer printed top by Jean Paul Gaultier, and several generic leather bags that I still use to this day. Each piece came with a story, not just of its past owner, but of my own discovery.

Today, thrifting has evolved into what many now call vintage shopping—a term that carries both nostalgia and sophistication. With the rise of sustainable fashion, “ukay-ukay” has taken on new meaning. Shopping pop-ups now feature curated selections of mid- to luxury-brand pieces, often displayed like mini boutiques rather than chaotic piles.

As awareness about environmental issues have grown, thrifting has become an eco-conscious act—one that reduces textile waste, promotes circular fashion, and celebrates mindful consumption. I believe these are im-portant touchpoints for the younger generation, often highlighting the need for more sustainable fashion choices.

Technology has also shaped the experience. Live-selling on social media has become the new “ukay-ukay” culture, with sellers hosting weekly live streams and sourcing trips abroad just to provide more options for their growing online communities. The once-gritty hunt has found a digital space, but the excitement remains the same: discovering something rare, beautiful, and truly your own.

What was once a budget necessity has now become a full-fledged lifestyle. Influencers and celebrities proud-ly showcase their ukay finds, normalizing secondhand shopping. It’s a celebration of resourcefulness and crea-tivity—a testament to how Filipinos can turn practicality into style.

During a recent vacation in Europe, I was pleasantly surprised to see how luxury department stores in Par-is—the global heartbeat of haute couture and retail sophistication—have embraced vintage shopping in a big way. At Printemps, Galeries Lafayette, and Le Bon Marché, entire sections, even whole floors, are now devoted to curated pre-loved collections. It’s a reflection of how these icons of fashion are evolving with the times, re-sponding to consumers who are becoming more mindful and intentional in their sustainable fashion journey.

And these spaces aren’t merely for show. Many even encourage consignments, inviting shoppers to become part of the circular fashion movement—an elegant exchange where one’s past season could be another’s treas-ured find.

In the charming streets of Le Marais, vintage boutiques line one corner after another, each offering its own trove of hard-to-find pieces. It’s as if the entire city pulses with style histories waiting to be rediscovered.

At its heart, vintage shopping or “ukay-ukay” is more than just shopping. It’s an act of self-expression. Un-like fast fashion, thrifted pieces allow individuality to shine through. For many young Filipinos—especially Gen Z and the creative circles—thrifting is a way to build a personal aesthetic, to stand out rather than fit in.

(Rey Robes Ilagan is the editor of Manila Bulletin’s Lifestyle section.)