Carol Z. Shane
Ricky Hopkins has an entrepreneurial spirit and conservationist principles.
Hopkins and his staff are trying to counteract the influence of so-called “fast fashion” through his business, Past Around. This is a relatively new phenomenon in the clothing industry that forms a key part of the toxic system of overproduction and consumption that has made fashion. He is one of the world’s biggest polluters.
And if the crowds at his recent sales event are any indication, it’s working.
Past Around’s tagline is “Roots + Culture – Vintage and Curated Pre-Owned,” and the fashion that Hopkins sells focuses on Black history and culture. Oversized athletic his jackets with bold graphics, saturated sweatshirts and prominent logos. Anyone looking for affordable urban style and glamor can find it at the Knoxville Vintage Market (KVM), the ‘road show’ version of Past Around.
At these frequent pop-up events, Hopkins occasionally welcomes other vendors such as Second String, Thrift Knox, Grandma’s Attic, J Nastyboi and The Thrift Fairy. On January 22, at his KVM in front of the Old City Performing Arts Center, fellow vendor Spencer Siefke told River Sports that he would be offering high-quality outdoor his wear “at very negotiable prices.” stood under his canopy.
Born in Charlotte, North Carolina, Hopkins says he grew up buying second-hand goods.
“My father was in the military, so we moved around a lot. I grew up everywhere. I was always collecting and shopping vintage. Then as we got older, I loved doing it.
“Of course, I bought new things, but as I became more earth conscious, I started looking into my history and issues that dealt with myself, minorities, women, and all kinds of other issues. It has to be possible, I need to eat better, all of that has become my ideal, I’ll try, I’m not 100%, but I’ll try.”
He says inventory is “available from anywhere used. If it’s brand new with tags, it’s either used or from an aftermarket store.” He’s been in business for “six or seven years.” increase.
The shop’s logo incorporates an infinity symbol, which Hopkins always wanted to include. “’Past Around’ is basically a metaphor, and it’s also literal.
Fast fashion retailers such as H&M and Zara produce trendy clothing at a breakneck pace and have a legion of fans. Hopkins said: I can’t blame them. That’s why we put this out here – to put this in their face. Fast fashion is raging – let’s have something else for them. I think you appreciate ”
Hopkins looks up to his mother, who is an assistant manager at Dillards. “She’s obsessed with things that are made in America with the planet and people in mind.” It’s in line with her son’s fashion ethic.
“That’s the catchphrase for our Knoxville Vintage Market. For the people. For the planet.”
For other Knoxville Vintage Market dates, visit instagram.com/past_around.