'Queen of Thrift' Bay Garnett once styled Kate Moss in a £1 top
Stylist Bay Garnett, whose mum hails from Tyrone, has spent over two decades proving that second-hand doesn't mean second best.
From putting Kate Moss in a charity shop banana print top on the cover of Vogue, to influencing the rise of vintage as high fashion, Garnett has built a career on a following your fashion instincts and a deep belief in what she calls "thrifting karma."
Having styled the likes of Keira Knightley, Carey Mulligan and Chloë Sevigny in second-hand gems; Garnett recently hosted the Style to Sell Studio at Westfield Good Festival in London on May 17, advising shoppers on how best to make a sale from unwanted garments.
So, she breaks down her top tips for buying and re-selling pre-loved clothes to get the best look, sustainably and affordably.
1. Remember: some pieces are priceless
Garnett's most iconic find was just £1 and has ended up becoming a piece of fashion history.
"I put Kate [Moss] in a banana print top that I really, really loved, that I got from Cancer Research," she says. "Phoebe Philo [then creative director of designer Chloé] called me and said, 'Can I borrow that top?' Then she used it on the Chloé runway, and it's gone on to be quite famous."
Years later, Vogue interviewed her about the shoot – and the now iconic top. "The Chloé version is now a collector's item – [the likes of] Lily Allen collect them," says Garnett.
"I've got the original upstairs still – I talk to it like it's my dog, 'you've done very well, haven't you'," she laughs.
2. "Go with a sense of purpose of what you're looking for"
Garnett's cardinal rule for vintage treasure hunting is to have something in mind to give you guidance when shopping.
"I do genuinely believe in thrifting karma," she says. "It's really important to go with a sense of direction, and when you have a sense of direction, you have a sense of purpose […] then I believe that you will find something that you love."
She shares a story of when her daughter wanted a T-shirt from Urban Outfitters with the words 'San Diego' sprawled over the front. During a trip to New York, "I said, I'm going find you a T-shirt like that San Diego one," Garnett recalls telling her daughter.
"So in my head, I was like, San Diego, San Diego T-shirt in a thrift store […] it kind of just appeared out of nowhere and I was like – that's insane."
Whether you're seeking a Seventies jacket or a Zara skirt that's now out of stock, she insists: "You can't expect a charity shop to do all the work for you."
3. Check the labels, quality – and the men's rail
When it comes to spotting true gems, Garnett is specific. "I personally look for a Seventies label. I look for faded denim that's proper vintage."
Checking the labels of clothes to understand the garment's make-up and going in with a list of popular brands from certain decades will help you find good quality clothing that meet your requirements.
"I also advise people to go to the men's rail, because you can find amazing men's shirts that can be a bit like The Row," she says.
4. How to resell: Photograph, measure and add a note
Garnett doesn't just buy second-hand but sells it too, and has clear advice for making your pieces shine online.
"The way that you photograph it is really important […] and what's really important, I think, is listing the measurements," she says. "I want to know if the shoulders are going to actually fit my shoulders."
If you're a frequent seller – Garnett says to go the extra mile so you stick in the buyer's mind. She recalls receiving a note when she purchased a jacket from a seller in the US: "It said 'Dear Bay, I have travelled halfway around the world just to be with you.'
"If you're a regular seller, I think adding a personal touch is a really nice way to do business."
5. Celebrities and second-hand: "They like it more"
You may think celebrities needed persuading to wear charity shop pieces for photo shoots: "Actually, the opposite has happened," says Garnett. "Whenever I put vintage on a celebrity or a model, they go, 'I love this'."
She recalls dressing Carey Mulligan in a Seventies puffy-shouldered shirt she'd plucked from her own wardrobe. "She was like, 'I love it,' and it was interesting to me, because she loved something […] that had been worn for years.
"It just has a different energy."
6. The red flag when buying new
While second-hand shopping is undeniably sustainable – it can get confusing when buying new.
"As soon as a new brand says on their Instagram profile, 'sustainable', that immediately makes me [sceptical] – you can't just use that word," she says.
Instead, she champions transparency and action over language. "Nothing's absolutely sustainable if it exists, if it's being produced."
'Greenwashing' is part of a wider issue when it comes to the environmental impact of fashion. Garnett believes real change must come from the top. "Things need to change in a really kind of radical way […] we need blanket legislation."
7. Second-hand style icons
When it comes to wardrobes she'd love to raid, "The Italian film actress Anita Pallenberg or Chloë Sevigny," Garnett says, "I think they're two people with an absolutely original take on style, and I find their wardrobes very interesting and eclectic, but also probably singularly stylish.
But if she could delve well into the style archives, "Marie Antoinette's would be a lot of fun!"
Garnett's approach to fashion as a whole is refreshing in a world of micro-trends. "If I see something new that I really love – then I'll buy it," she admits, "but if I'm going to buy something new, I'm going to sling it on every day."
Still, for Garnett – and for the rest of us slowly learning to treasure rather than consume – second-hand is more a lifestyle than just a shopping habit: "you have to have a sense of energy when you go thrifting to find something," she says, "and that's part of the fun."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
2 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
‘He's a legend', declares Vogue Williams sharing snaps of never-seen-before ‘handsome' stepdad leaving fans all swooning
VOGUE Williams has shared a never-seen-before photo of her "very handsome" stepdad that has left her fans all saying the same thing. The Irish model's biological parents, Sandra and Freddie, separated when she was just seven-years-old. Advertisement 2 Vogue Williams is all smiles posing with her stepdad Neil 2 Vogue shared a selection of photos for followers on Instagram However, Sandra went on to marry businessman Neil Wilson shortly after. The However, fans all hounded Vogue with messages after the book was released asking why she had never posted a photo of him. Advertisement READ MORE IN VOGUE WILLIAMS The 39-year-old was quick to react to followers request as she shared a selection of photos with her beloved stepdad on Instagram. Vogue wrote in her caption: " I give you Nelso (Neil!) I get asked a lot about Nelso and what he looks like so here you go. The doting stepdaughter gushed: " He's a legend, lots of fun but I would still NEVER swear in front of him. " She joked: " Although taught me every swear word I know ." Advertisement Most read in News TV Vogue looked stunning in the photos as she donned a neon green bodycon dress and silver stiletto heels. The Irish star had her arms wrapped around Neil who looked super smart in an all white suit. Vogue Williams shows off her wedding outfit Vogue also attached a cute picture of Sandra and Neil smiling together. Sandra was ultra glamorous in a sequin pink maxi skirt, chiffon shirt and a fedora. Advertisement The adorable couple looked happy-as-ever as they stood outside with a beautiful garden backdrop. Fans all raced to the comment section to swoon over the famous family . Hannah wrote: "Sandra he's a keeper!!" Yvonne said: "Very handsome man!! I'm sure you feel so fortunate he became your stepdad." Advertisement Laura remarked: "Somehow, he's exactly how I imagined him to be!" Sarah added: "At last the famous Neil! He is fab!"
Irish Independent
8 hours ago
- Irish Independent
From shore to studio as Wicklow forager creates art from nature
Samuel and Kasia guided a group along the Bray coastlie, to gather seaweed and coastal plants to bring back to the studio and create a traditional form of photographic print. The process in the studio of creating some truly unique pieces of art was all captured by photographer, Leigh Anderson. In describing the journey from shore to studio, Samuel said it is all about 'merging various art forms to tell the stories of the seaweeds, coasts and streets, he gathers, wades and walks'. As a guide, the emphasis is on 'marrying ancestral skill within the modern landscape'. 'Foraging fosters an intimate relationship with our environment,' Sam says. 'We tap into an ancestral activity. We become part of the flow rather than spectators of the outdoors. We begin to truly care for our environment – the beach we comb, the forest we walk, the derelict land we trespass into, the small slices of wilderness that remain. We start to stand up for it. This is where I believe environmental action truly begins. 'We began our day (in the pouring rain – but with open minds) down at the south end of bray beach. We gathered coastal plants, seaweeds and stories along the walk. Then back to the Mermaid for some foraged nibbles and drinks – meadowsweet kombucha, sleabhac crisps and sugar kelp hummus and nettle seed pesto. Then we went into the studio where we prepared our solution to create photographic images using only the foraged plant material.' Merging their knowledge and experience, Kasia and Samuel bring together their passion for creating and learning with the elements – seaweed, plants, light and shade. "Foraging for nourishment and creating artwork, is an invaluable way to reconnect and therefore care for the environment we come home to,' Sam says. The next workshop 'The Communal Tide', will take place in September. Keep an eye on for confirmation of dates.
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- The Irish Sun
I'm the Irish artist who created world's most famous image but refused cash – I lost my home but my reason mattered more
HE created the iconic image that's adorned the walls of millions of homes across the globe - but passed up the opportunity to make hundreds of thousands in royalty cash. And Dublin artist 10 Artist Jim Fitzpatrick created the iconic poster of Che Guevara Credit: Reuters 10 Jim met Guevara by chance in Co Clare during the 60s Credit: Alamy 10 Jim created the famous image of Che in 1968 Credit: Jim Fitzpatrick 10 Jim also did various artwork for Thin Lizzy which An Post made into stamps He told The Irish Sun: "I never sought royalties for the The artist, who is also famous for his work designing Explaining the move to leave the potential cash unclaimed, he said: "I never wanted to accumulate money, all I wanted was to put a roof over my head." The Skerries native, who battled He told us: "I never thought I'd still be on the planet at this age. It's way beyond my expectations. "I had cancer in 2017, but survived that, and I am still walking around even after a hip replacement. "Getting to 81 means I am getting to do all the things I wanted to do and that's sending me down all sorts of highways and byways." And Jim's focus remains keenly on revolutionary figures - but this time just closer to home. He continued: "I was working on a project about the women of 1916 and now I am switching over onto a series about the rebels of 1798." Aside from creating stunning album sleeves for the likes of Thin Lizzy, Some of the notable album covers he's produced over the years include Sinead O'Connor's Faith And Courage and Thin Lizzy's Black Rose: A Rock Legend - which has been a tattoo choice for celebs such as Jim also produced a striking portrait of But despite commissions from around the world throughout his long career, Jim lost his house to vulture funds a few years ago, and now owns an apartment where he creates his art. The talented craftsman missed out on a fortune by refusing to copyright or charge for his most famous work - arguably the world's most recognisable image. The renowned piece on Marxist revolutionary and guerrilla leader Ernesto 'Che' Guevara was based on a photograph by Alberto Diaz Gutierrez - known as Korda - in German magazine Stern in 1967. 10 Jim's artwork of Che Guevara was based on a photograph by Alberto Diaz Gutierrez Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd 10 One of Jim's latest pieces is of 1798 Irish Rebellion hero John Kelly Credit: Jim Fitzpatrickv 10 The artwork for Thin Lizzy's album Black Rose: A Rock Legend Credit: Jim Fitzpatrick While the image was later reproduced on t-shirts, cups, posters and other merchandise worldwide, Jim did not assert his copyright until 2010, more than four decades after its creation. In 2013, Jim attempted to hand over the rights to the picture to the Cuban people to be administered by the Guevara family. However, because Che's family never signed and ratified the documents, the copyright on the picture remains with Jim. He said: "It's not valid until they sign those papers, but the family don't want to be dragged into the courts for every copyright violation, and I don't want to spend my time in the courts either. 'ACT OF SOLIDARITY' " "I've been told I need to be patient. All I want to know is that when I pop my clogs, that piece of paper exists and I have done the right thing. I never wanted to accumulate money, all I wanted was to put a roof over my head." Jim created his two-tone masterpiece by making a line drop-out of Korda's photograph. He then submitted it to Dublin's Scene to accompany a feature about the revolutionary's move from Cuba to Shortly after, Guevera was captured and killed by the Bolivian army. The following year, when Fitzpatrick showed his stark poster at the Viva Che exhibition in 'DEMAND WAS INSANE' Jim explained: "The demand was insane. It went off like a rocket. I just kept supplying, supplying, supplying. "I couldn't afford to keep getting it photographed, which is why I had to make all these variations." Pop artist Despite his image gaining popularity, Fitzpatrick didn't pocket a penny from its global success due to his copyright stance. 10 Jim has done a collection of works on Irish revolutionaries, including James Connolly Credit: Jim Fitzpatrick 10 Jim has previously said he thinks Johnny The Fox is the best Thin Lizzy album cover he produced Credit: Jim Fitzpatrick 10 A close-up section of Jim's original painting titled Oisin And Niamh Tir Na Nog Credit: Jim Fitzpatrick He explained: "I never sought royalties for the Che image because I was absolutely enraged by the manner of his death. "He was shot in the neck and left to drown in his own blood, because they didn't want to harm his face. "The Bolivians wanted his face intact so they could prove it was him. I was trying to get people to notice this man had been murdered." "I never thought I'd still be on the planet at this age. It's way beyond my expectations." Jim Fitzpatrick Fitzpatrick said he took the murder personally because he met the doomed CHAT WITH CHE Jim said: "What happened was Che was flying back from "He ended up staying the night in Ireland and walked into the pub I was working in. I recognised him straight away. "I remember him saying his father's grandmother, Isabel Lynch, was from "He was very proud of the fact that the Irish were the first to begin to bring down the AN IRISH ED ON HIS SHOULDERS THIN Lizzy album designer Jim Fitzpatrick has said that Ed, 34, came under attack on However, Celtic artist Jim has defended the Shape Of You hitmaker. He told The Irish Sun: "Yes, Ed Sheeran is entitled to say his father's family are Irish. Anybody with Irish blood is entitled to be Irish, it's that simple. "My friend Phil was born in West Bromwich, outside "Like Phil, Ed Sheeran is an amazing, talented songwriter, and I'd be very proud to add him to the list of Irish diaspora. "President Jim claims he is delighted that we are living in a time where Ed can boast of his Irishness. He said: "I knew "Once it was viewed in England as a sign of inferiority and then during The Troubles people clammed up about Irish pride and heritage, but now The Troubles are over, groups like "I only wish Phil was around to see this because he was proudly Irish at a time when it was wiser to keep your mouth shut about your Irishness in Britain. "But Phil never tried to hide or disguise it. He strutted around England being an Irish man." The creative talent added: 'When Che was murdered, the first thing his father said was, 'Che died like a true Irish revolutionary'. That kind of stuff had a lot of resonance with me." Jim recently donated a print of 1916 hero Elizabeth O'Farrell to The Moore Street Preservation Trust, which is And, like most of Jim's work, the limited edition signed print quickly sold out. This Friday, Jim is donating another new work, a painting of 1798 Irish Rebellion icon John Kelly - who was immortalised in the Dubliners' song Kelly, The Boy From Kilanne - to the National 1798 Rebellion Centre in Enniscorthy,
