Soft Covers and Bold Finds: A Night of Art and Thrifted Fashion

On Saturday, December 7th, I ventured out to the Fabric Workshop and Museum in Center City for the first time. The museum, to my surprise, was free to enter, though a suggested $5 donation was encouraged—and well worth it to support such a great space.

The museum’s current exhibit, Soft/Covers, explores the intricate relationship between fabric and the human body, using diverse mediums like screen printing, textiles, and architecture. The exhibit took over three floors, and each one offered something new to marvel at. Each artist’s unique approach to their work captivated me, from the storytelling behind their creations to the inventive ways they utilized their chosen mediums. Every detail felt intentional, and I loved taking my time to soak it all in.

While the exhibit itself was memorable, the highlight of my visit was a pop-up event in the gift shop hosted by Misc.Vntg, a thrifted collection curated by Kierra Crofton. Kierra’s love for thrifting runs deep—something she always knew she wanted to explore in a professional capacity. In 2021, she took a leap of faith and founded Misc.Vntg, where she scouts and curates beautifully unique pieces to share with others, and it’s clear that she has an incredible eye for style.

Browsing through her collection that evening, I was amazed by how carefully and calculated each item had been chosen. From bold, flashy patterns to understated neutrals, I felt there was something for every taste. The jewelry was vibrant and unique, with playful shapes and colors, and the ties featured some of the most fun patterns I’ve ever seen. Each piece felt like a treasure, reflecting both quality and care. And the best part? The prices were fair—especially considering the condition of the items, which ranged from excellent to near perfect.

After much deliberation, I walked away with a stunning vintage earth-tone sweater accented with hints of chartreuse, crimson, and brown—a piece that felt perfectly me and I can’t wait to incorporate it into my wardrobe.

This experience left me reflecting on the growing appeal of thrifting. What was once seen as “un-cool” has grown tremendously in popularity. Not only is it a great way to express your personal style, but it’s also a step toward more sustainable fashion. I love the idea of taking something pre-loved and giving it a fresh start, and Kierra’s work with Misc.Vntg is a perfect example of how creative and meaningful thrifting can be.

In a world increasingly aware of its environmental footprint and where fast fashion often dominates, I truly believe the future of clothing lies in thoughtful consumption—and thrifting is paving the way. Businesses like Misc.Vntg are leading the charge, proving that secondhand fashion isn’t just a trend—it’s a way of life. If you haven’t explored the world of thrifting yet, I encourage you to give it a try. Who knows? You might find your next favorite piece waiting for you, just like I did.

Definitely be sure to check out Kierra’s Misc Vntg IG and follow her Etsy and Depop to stay up to date on pieces being sold.