Roots of Thrift Malibu
What began as an appreciation for vintage and thrifted treasures has grown into a lively campus movement. Thrift Malibu is a student-run organization which brings curated vintage clothing to Pepperdine through campus pop-up events.
Founded in 2023 by juniors Braeden Wooton and Kalin Montana, Thrift Malibu was created from their shared passion for vintage culture and thrifting when they were just first-year students. They were inspired to create a platform where style and sustainability intersect.
Curated Fashion for Students
“We’re creating a vintage collection curated for students, by students,” Wooton said. “Our goal is to share our passion, being able to provide an outlet for people to buy clothes to express themselves, being sustainable and creating a community on campus.”
Their mission centers around providing high-quality yet budget-friendly fashion that allows students to express their individuality without breaking the bank.
“Affordability and sustainability are the two biggest elements we want to provide,” Wooton said. “Living in Malibu, there are a lot of expensive stores, so we’re trying to provide a place that has cheaper options for students.”
Style Done Sustainably
Wooton and Montana curate the clothing from thrift stores in various locations from California to Colorado. They also visit specialized rag houses, where they handpick items from large warehouses. They then display the items on racks for students to shop at the events.
“I have attended four of Thrift Malibu’s pop-up events on campus thus far,” Ming said. “Braeden has incredible taste and style that bleeds into his thrifted inventory. The actual grunt work has been done for you and you can just show up and expect dope pieces automatically.”
Building Community Through Fashion
In addition to offering unique clothing pieces, students said Thrift Malibu enriches campus spirit and a sense of community.
Their events have gained a lot of support and positive feedback, especially their latest event which was held during New Student Orientation week.
While their events are mainly promoted through their Instagram, first-year Sabrina Tynan stumbled across the event during NSO. She and her roommate found themselves drawn in by the welcoming atmosphere and the chance to connect with other students.
“It’s really fun to thrift because it feels more original,” Tynan said. “The event was a nice experience because it was so much more accessible to shop and bond with roommates and other students, and it’s more than just getting clothes — you’re building memories and laughs.”
Each event serves as more than a thrifting experience — it also becomes a welcoming space where students can explore fashion and interact in the laid-back atmosphere.
“I witnessed firsthand students meeting and mingling for the first time by way of the community the pop-up created,” Ming said. “It creates a super chill biome in which people can converse and express themselves through style.”
Looking Forward
Building on their success, Thrift Malibu plans to keep the energy going with more events throughout the school year. Looking ahead, Wooton said they envision navigating logistical challenges to bring a market to campus where other students can buy, sell and trade their own items, aiming to enhance community engagement at an even higher level.
“When there is a huge turnout, it creates this aspect of community,” Wooton said. “That’s what I’m really proud of: creating that kind of community.”
Wooton and Montana are dedicated to investing in Thrift Malibu to further expand its impact and reach. They said they would like to formalize their organization by establishing an LLC, which will allow them to host more official events and expand their brand on a larger scale.
Leading with Purpose
Thrift Malibu’s commitment to blending style and sustainability, along with their efforts to build a vibrant community, has made fashionable clothing more accessible and enriched the campus experience, according to many students.
In a world where fast fashion often overshadows sustainability, Thrift Malibu shines as a symbol of positive change. Their initiative highlights the power of student-driven innovation and the lasting impact of creating a community through shared passions and values.
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Contact Bohuen Tong via email: bohuen.tong@pepperdine.edu
