Luxe Closet: Amanda Rushforth Wants You to Shop Pre-loved

Amanda wearing thrifted Gucci. Picture by Eniola Giwa

We’ve taken a look at the closet of conscious consumer, Amanda Rushforth. As the director of marine conservation organisation – Azraq, Amanda is also an influential figure. Therefore, we were not surprised to find that her Dubai home on The Palm is filled with stunning interiors, pre-loved designer pieces and the CUTEST dog!

From stunning accessories to fashion must-haves, Amanda’s style defines casual elegance. She’s a lady who knows how to accessorise and put together fun and stylish outfits. As she is known for wellness and conscious living, we were excited to chat to Amanda and find out what inspires her fashion choices…

So how would you describe your style?

I like to think I always look comfortable in my clothes. If that makes any sense… it’s maybe comfy chic with a summer twist. My style changes with the seasons, but my staples are natural fibers, and you’ll usually find me in jumpsuits, playsuits and I love a hat!

You’ve garnered a reputation as someone who champions sustainability, how does this affect your fashion choices?

The big problem here is the understanding of just how much impact the fashion industry has on the environment. Fast fashion brands produce thousands of items across a wide array of sizes, for a worldwide audience. Therefore, there’s a guarantee these items will a) go on sale b) if unsold, end up in landfill. The good news is that more and more brands are looking to improve their footprint here, for example Farfetch just launched a sustainability calculator and has been selling a curated selection of pre-owned and vintage fashion since 2010. Zara also promises all its clothes will be sustainable by 2025. However, we need to adapt our shopping habits way before the brands catch up.

The most important concept for me is to remove the stigma attached to the idea of charity shop, thrifted or second-hand clothes. I believe it’s a continuously conscious decision to try to reduce one’s impact on the environment. So whether it’s gaining a new wardrobe item or donating to a thrift store with some old ones, there’s got to be a balance. I’m coming to terms with having a more compact wardrobe with fewer but classic items, limiting my trend-led purchases and ensuring that new purchases include sourcing pre-loved items before new ones. But I always focus on the quality of the items, looking for natural fibres that will last.

That’s amazing and so important to consider! So, do you prefer to shop locally or with global brands?

I love shopping internationally, with a first stop at local markets, vintage stores and charity shops as you can ALWAYS find a bargain. More and more online boutiques are focusing on slow and sustainable clothing options too; like cult favourite Pangaia and the U.A.E.’s own The Giving Movement. Nothing beats being able to feel the material though and try items on, so finding local brands that have slow fashion sources is just as exciting.

Which local brands are you loving at the moment?

We have some great pre-loved boutiques here like; La Suite, Garderobe, Retold and the recently opened Thrift For Good which donates 75% of proceeds to U.A.E. based charity Gulf For Good. There are plenty of smaller fashion labels, and homegrown boutiques that shop small brands too, like By.M.A.R.Y which produces items solely based on pre-ordering and Villa Yasmine that houses gorgeous little international brands we probably wouldn’t have heard of otherwise.

Any current obsessions you want to share? It can be beauty, interior or fashion.

I’m having a lot of fun going through my wardrobe and updating items I haven’t warn in a while. Either with some tie dye or taking them to the tailor with a few design alterations, helping to give them a little boost.

Love that! What would you say is the quintessential Dubai style?

Dubai is a cosmopolitan causeway that caters for every style under the sun. I’m loving how many people are tuning in and turning towards second-hand items, giving them a new home for a good cause.

Would you say COVID has affected your shopping habits? In what way?

I have the Pangaia outfits in almost every colour. So yes, I’d say that environmentally friendly sportswear and loungewear took off in a BIG way during quarantine.

Haven’t we all! Who would you love to swap a closet with and why?

I see some amazing stylish women here in Dubai whose wardrobes have become my obsession on instagram. Like Gemma Deeks, Clara Strambio and Carmel Harrison who’s about to launch her own label.