A new second-hand vintage clothing shop is opening at Spark today (Saturday 4 October).
Florable is having its grand opening at Spark York today, with a special launch event from 12pm that includes t-shirt printing, cake, Cosmopolitans, and, of course, plenty of second-hand clothing.
The vintage shop is the brainchild of Yas Arron-Gonzalez, who grew up being inspired by her mum’s love for maximalist clothing.
“My mum has always been big on fashion,” Yas told YorkMix. “So growing up, she always wore extravagant things, even just going down to the pub.
“From that, I just became quite amazed with clothing and different materials, and how 80s and 90s fashion was back then versus now.”
Yas started Florable by finding and selling vintage clothing on Depop and Vinted, and going to car boot sales.
“It branched out from being younger and looking at my mum’s clothing, to then now going out, finding my own and selling it on so other people can wear cool clothing.”
Visitors to Florable can expect clothing for all genders, “a lot of going out top statement pieces to wear”, and lots of colour and mesh.
“I have this obsession with mesh tops and skirts and that kind of stuff, lots of sequins and beads.”
The 26-year-old was born just outside of London. She was working as a floor manager at Spark York, and it was her dream to rent one of the units for Florable’s first physical shop.
“I felt like Spark would be a great place to do clothing, because so many people, so many students, especially, come in,” said Yas. “And I thought, they’re missing this.”
The process to setting up the unit in Spark has been “pretty smooth”, and Yas has received a lot of help from friends and family. “I had my partner’s brother come and help me in the shop. Without Alfie, I wouldn’t have been able to do any of it. He was a massive help, he’s very DIY.”
Opening a unit was Yas’ biggest ambition for Florable, and she hopes that it can continue to grow and build a community at Spark.
“I’m trying to build a community,” said Yas. “I want it to be a place that people can come to, and have a conversation with me, and tell me if they’re looking for certain types of items – I can help source that kind of stuff for them as well.”
Yas is aiming to introduce that service at Florable in a few weeks time, as well as hosting events in the future such as crafting nights.
Florable will be open on Tuesdays and Sundays 12-6pm, Wednesdays and Thursdays 12-7pm, and Fridays and Saturdays 12-8pm.
To find out more, visit Florable’s Instagram page here.
