Sustainable Fashion

Valhalla, a clothing resale and rental company, is transforming the fashion industry by providing a sustainable and eco-friendly way to shop.  We spoke with the owner and founder, Danielle Ferrari, to learn more about the mission and passion behind Valhalla.

What is Valhalla?

Valhalla Resale is a store that offers a clothing membership where you can rent everyday clothes, and it is also a resale store. It’s a magical place, an ever-changing, ever-expanding collective closet where sharing lets us all have so much more and waste so much less. 

When and how did your passion for sustainable fashion begin?

I was born with a passion for fashion; it was something that I always loved. My passion for sustainable fashion was a much slower, gradual process. I was introduced to the world of second-hand by my best friend when I was in high school. I was a lifelong lover of resale after that first shopping trip, but I didn’t love it because it was good for the environment; I loved it because it was fun. 

It wasn’t until I became aware of the sharing economy that I started feeling an irrepressible passion for sustainability. I just love the idea that we can transform our world with something as simple as sharing. 

What are the benefits of thrifting for the consumer?

There are so many benefits to thrifting. I think the most popular, but subconscious, is the thrill of the hunt. We don’t get to do much hunting or gathering in our everyday lives, so hunting for one-of-kind pieces satisfies a primal part of the brain that doesn’t get enough attention. 

Good deals are another important part of why people thrift. Your dollar goes farther when you buy second-hand.

What are the benefits of sustainable fashion for the environment?

Most clothing produced today (especially women’s fashion) is made of plastic. Yup, virgin plastics. When you buy used (even if you’re buying a plastic product), you prevent a new item from being produced. I’m a big advocate of voting with your dollar, and when you divert your dollars from businesses that don’t support your values, it makes a difference. 

What can I do to start shopping sustainably?

It’s super simple to get started, but it can feel daunting. My advice for anyone starting a sustainable fashion journey is to think about how you’d like to be sustainable; what works for your lifestyle. 

If you’d like to get started with a membership, you can walk in and get started or sign up for a styling session --a one-on-one appointment with a stylist. 

Follow us on IG @valhallatampa or @valhallastpete. 

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