Vintage with Love launches in Melrose

Vintage with Love, one of South Africa’s leading fashion and literacy charities, officially opened its first shop in Melrose on June 19. Vintage with Love is the brainchild of two fashion-forward women, Leigh Ord and Jacquie Myburgh Chemaly, who have combined their passion for fashion with a desire to give back to the community through vintage fashion sales.

The charity organisation serves as a platform for women across Johannesburg, Cape Town, and the rest of South Africa to contribute to reputable literacy programmes simply by clearing out their wardrobes. By donating gently worn items and shopping for pre-loved fashion, participants support a cause that has raised more than R8 million for literacy charities throughout the country.

The concept is straightforward – you donate beautiful pre-loved clothes, which Vintage with Love lists, markets, and sells to new owners. The proceeds from these sales are then donated to a network of 17 charities, including Read to Rise, Shine Literacy, Chic Mamas, and Home from Home.

Since its inception in 2013, Vintage with Love has grown from a small initiative into a significant force for good. Over the past decade, the team has hosted numerous pop-up sales, launched an online store, and opened a shop in Cape Town. The Melrose location, situated at 102 Corlett Drive in Birnam, now adds another chapter to their inspiring story.

Tracey van Gass, managing director of Vintage with Love, emphasises the care and effort that goes into curating their collection. “Curating gently worn fashion is a real art – but one that our team of fashion volunteers have perfected. These ladies spend every Tuesday morning in our offices, sorting and pricing all the clothing donations to ensure we have the very best selection online and in-store.”

The charity is proud to address two critical issues simultaneously – improving literacy in South Africa and reducing fashion waste. By purchasing once-loved clothing, shoppers contribute to environmental sustainability while supporting educational initiatives.

It has garnered support from generous clothing donations both locally and internationally. Additionally, Vintage with Love now also purchases gently worn fashion to sell for charity, further expanding its reach and impact.

As Ord and Chemaly celebrate over a decade of success, the Melrose opening represents not just the growth of their dream but also the positive change they’ve instigated in countless lives. Vintage with Love is more than just a charity; it’s a movement that shows how fashion can be a powerful tool for good.

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