The Future of Vintage Fashion Starts with Fleek – As the appetite for sustainable fashion continues to grow, vintage has become more than just a trend — it’s a movement. Shoppers are embracing pre-loved pieces not only for their style and quality but also for their role in reducing waste and slowing the fast fashion cycle. Yet behind the scenes, sourcing quality vintage stock has always been one of the greatest challenges for resellers and boutique owners around the world.
Enter Fleek, the global online marketplace making it easier than ever to buy and sell vintage clothing at scale. Founded in London in 2021 by Abhi Arora and Sanket Agarwal, Fleek has already become a game-changer in the circular fashion economy, supporting over 10,000 resellers across 70 countries and connecting them with trusted vintage suppliers. With backing from Andreessen Horowitz, Y Combinator, and HV Capital, Fleek is redefining how second-hand fashion moves through the world.
From Brick Lane to Global Impact
The idea for Fleek was born from a walk down London’s iconic Brick Lane — a hub for vintage fashion — during lockdown. When Abhi noticed shopfronts closing and local sellers struggling to source stock, he began to connect the dots with similar challenges faced by resellers abroad. Alongside co-founder Sanket, whose own family ties to vintage resale in Florida echoed the same problems, Fleek set out to build a digital solution to a global sourcing issue.
Today, Fleek provides an accessible online platform where vintage resellers can browse, negotiate, and purchase bulk stock with complete transparency and buyer protection. From Y2K streetwear to ’80s tailoring and classic denim, the marketplace offers something for every niche, all verified through Fleek’s quality assessment process.
Building the Backbone of the Circular Fashion Economy
In just a few short years, Fleek has facilitated the movement of more than 2.5 million pieces of second-hand clothing from 1,000+ suppliers based primarily in Pakistan and India, helping give garments a second life while supporting small businesses and reducing textile waste.
“The global second-hand apparel market is set to grow three times faster than the overall fashion market by 2028, reaching an estimated $350 billion,” says co-founder Abhi Arora. “We’re excited to be part of the solution by making the second-hand buying and selling marketplace more accessible — and better for the planet.”
Looking ahead, Fleek is expanding its global network and investing in AI-powered tools for quality control, logistics, and supplier verification — with one clear goal: to make second-hand the first choice for retailers and consumers alike.
Inside Fleek: Meet Caoimhe Ní Bhroin
At the heart of Fleek’s growing success are the people who bring their expertise and passion to every part of the process — none more so than Caoimhe Ní Bhroin, Fleek’s Womenswear Category Expert.
With a background in textiles and a lifelong love of vintage fashion, Caoimhe plays a vital role in connecting global vendors with resellers in Western markets. From managing suppliers and grading stock to training sorting teams and spotting emerging trends, her work ensures that every item that passes through Fleek meets the highest standards of quality and authenticity.
“I’ve always seen vintage as a way to make a positive impact, both environmentally and personally,” Caoimhe explains. “It’s about building businesses and relationships, not just wardrobes.”
Having studied at the National College of Art and Design (NCAD) in Ireland and worked with ASOS Marketplace, Caoimhe brings both technical skill and creative intuition to her role. She leads open bale reviews, trains resellers to recognise craftsmanship and value, and ensures Fleek’s sourcing reflects current style shifts — from the revival of ’80s power dressing to the minimalism of the early 2000s.
For Caoimhe, vintage is about storytelling as much as sustainability. “Every piece tells a story, “She says. “You might find a lipstick in a bag or a shopping list in a pocket — small, human details that connect you to someone’s life. That’s what gives vintage its soul.”
A Future Built on Connection, Creativity and Consciousness
Whether you’re a boutique owner looking to expand your stock, or a fashion lover seeking to make more conscious choices, Fleek offers a glimpse into a more transparent and connected future for fashion. It celebrates not just style, but sustainability — empowering entrepreneurs and consumers to see the value in what already exists.
As Caoimhe puts it: “The most sustainable thing in your wardrobe is what you already own. Exploring vintage helps you express yourself without giving in to consumerism — and the connections you make along the way are more valuable than any trend.”
Women Talking loves Fleek’s fresh approach to circular fashion — combining innovation with integrity and proving that sustainability and style can go hand in hand. We’ll be keeping a close eye on their journey as they continue to make second-hand the first choice worldwide.
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Lilly Light