Thriftease: Camp My Style
Recommended
At Thriftease, a quarterly event with a lot of moving parts, five models of different sizes, genders, races, and ability walk the runway wearing two different thrifted outfits. One is carefully curated by a guest stylist. The other is curated by Mona Real, a drag performer known for her vintage looks, who hosts the show. As Mona calls out bids, Thriftease creative director Isador Vorpahl, a TUF-affiliated DJ (MMMelt), spins more beats. Some items go for much lower than expected, others much higher. Once a winner is declared, Mona calls out the paddle number and agreed-upon price to scribes backstage. The model then sensually strips the garment off their body. Then the process starts all over again until the model—either an amateur or an experienced performer—is left in only their skivvies to float cheekily offstage to claps and whoops. Thriftease is an all-encompassing experience, one that's utterly affirming, fun, and also kind of hot.
by Jas Keimig