It can be easy to fall into the fast fashion trap, especially when the cheap prices are endlessly shoved in our faces. However, these garments are often worn just a handful of times before we get sick of them or they break, ultimately ending up in landfills.
REMI offers a refreshing, sustainable alternative. Founded by Teegan Garton, REMI is an online platform dedicated to second-season clothing, blending buying, selling and repurposing with a social experience.
REMI isn’t just another resale marketplace – it’s a movement towards a more ethical and circular fashion future.
Teegan’s inspiration for REMI is deeply rooted in personal experience. “Some of my earliest memories include going with my Granny to the op shop,” she says. “It was our special thing that we did together, and I am so thankful for those times and how she taught me to repurpose clothing and find beauty in what has already been worn.”
Her passion for sustainable fashion ignited when she returned to New Zealand with a single suitcase. The overwhelming number of resale options available made it difficult to find what she was looking for. This sparked the idea for REMI – a user-friendly platform where resale could be centralised and made accessible to everyone.
“REMI was born out of personal circumstance – a realisation of the need for a one-stop-shop for resale in NZ to encourage accessibility for all,” Teegan says. “It was designed as a social experience. An exchange of connection whether that be during a transaction or as part of an interaction with the platform, our social presence, or with those that we partner with or support.”
At REMI, fashion enthusiasts can not only buy and sell pre-loved clothing but also engage with like-minded individuals and follow influencers and fashion profiles. The platform is a space for individuals, resellers, charity initiatives and established circular brands to coexist, fostering what Teegan calls a “community of competitors.” REMI’s branding is intentionally broad and inviting, with an emphasis on inclusivity. “We are not niche, encouraging a wide range of products, sizes, and fashion styles.”
The fashion industry faces a significant challenge – overproduction. With over 100 billion garments produced each year for a global population of 8 billion, the environmental impact is staggering. According to the British Fashion Council we currently have enough clothing on the planet to dress the next six generations. REMI is committed to being part of the solution by promoting the circular fashion movement.
“We have delivered a simple buy-and-sell platform that has circularity and community as its pillars,” Teegan says. “We believe there is huge opportunity for growth in fashion and in business, all while supporting a higher call to an ethical and circular fashion future.”
The launch of REMI has been an exciting journey for Teegan, but it wasn’t always easy. “Funny enough, I actually had quite a small-scale vision for REMI when I first put pen to paper,” she says. “The first brainstorm was probably a reflection of where I was at in my life and the current capacity I had, being nearly nine months pregnant as a newly single mum.”
Despite these challenges, REMI has grown into something far beyond its original concept. “What started as a marketplace has now become a platform, a movement, a community, a pillar of impact and so much more than I ever thought it would be – and we have only just begun!” Teegan says.
So, how do you get started with REMI?
REMI makes it easy to join the circular fashion revolution. Whether you’re looking to declutter your wardrobe or find your next outfit, setting up a profile is simple. You can personalise your profile with a logo and connect with others by following and being followed. For resellers or those with small side hustles, REMI provides an excellent platform to reach a broader audience. It’s also an ideal space for community and charity organisations to promote their initiatives while supporting sustainable fashion.
To learn more about REMI’s mission and get involved, visit their website remi.co.nz or follow them on Instagram – @remionline_.
It’s time to ditch fast fashion – the future of fashion is circular!