Meet the style maven that’s changing how we see fashion
Out with the new, in with the old—vintage pieces redefine a story with every stitch, but what makes it even more thrilling is the shopping. From the rush of dopamine to the undeniable kick of procuring an archival piece, vintage shopping is a triumph like no other. Generally, die-hard fans will attest that shopping offline is the best way to get the good stuff, and we believe them. It’s essential to touch, feel, and try on these vintage finds before breathing new life into them. And, with the troves of treasure out in the world, nothing is stopping you from securing a well-loved secondhand item that could even be a museum-worthy archival piece.
What’s our favourite go-to at the moment? It’s the Second Life Markets, and this is your one-stop shop for fashion, accessories, culture and more. Whether you’re travelling and searching for some superb stores to visit on your trip or are curious about your local vintage treasure chests, Second Life Markets are perfect for the best vintage shopping. So, in conjunction of their first-ever market in Kuala Lumpur we sat down with Nadia Razlan, the founder of Second Life Markets, to talk about fashion, vintage shopping and the philosophy that drives this thriving community of second-life style. And, also to dive deeper into the world of sustainable fashion and the magic behind curating these vintage havens.
Our conversation with the founder of Second Life Markets, Nadia Razlan:
What does fashion mean to you personally?
Fashion is self-expression. I get inspired by everything and everyone around me—the places I travel, the people I meet, what I eat, what I watch and what I listen to. Shopping vintage has definitely made me more experimental and brave with how I put together a fit.
Who is your style icon, and why?
I love anyone who can blend high fashion with street and intention. Rihanna has always been the blueprint—she has this ability to effortlessly mix luxury, streetwear and vintage pieces in a way that feels authentic and bold, which really resonates with how I approach dressing myself. I feel like my style pulls a lot from vintage eras and subcultures, especially 80s and 90s streetwear and Y2K club culture. I love the energy of early 2000s fashion, where street style started crossing with high fashion—bold silhouettes and unexpected combinations.
What was your first vintage purchase that made you fall in love with secondhand fashion? Do you still have it?
If you know me, you know I can never stop talking about this piece. At the very first Second Life event I hosted in Sydney, I bought the most beautiful—and very rare—Moschino Question Mark fur jacket from 1994. It will forever be one of my most special pieces. I think that was the moment I really understood the value of vintage—finding a rare piece feels like winning a treasure hunt. It’s more than just shopping, it’s a reward! And yes, of course, I still have it; it’s one of those pieces you’ll cherish forever. I could never let it go.
How would you describe your personal style in three words?
Effortless, nostalgic and intentional.
Does running Second Life Markets influence what you wear day-to-day?
Running Second Life definitely influences how I dress without a doubt—I am constantly surrounded by different eras, textures and personalities in fashion. It’s made me appreciate the story behind every piece. I think I mix masculine and feminine really well. One day I’m in sweats and a tank, and the next I’m in lace or the most unhinged open back dress. I love that balance between comfort and sensuality. My style feels like a conversation between minimalism and nostalgia—I’ll always start with a timeless basic and add something with character. There’s always an intention behind what I wear, and I feel like my style is always evolving, but it’s always true to me.
I’ve always believed in the power of a good basic—I just play to make it interesting. I feel like my style blends vintage references with modern simplicity. I love a clean foundation with one piece (or two) that does the talking. She’s simple but never boring.
Do you have any fashion “rules” you live by, or do you prefer to break them?
I’ve never been the best at following rules – I think it kills creativity. If it feels good and looks good, it works. Most of the time, any outfit I envision in my head translates pretty closely once I put it on. I always love going with my gut. You can never go wrong starting with good, classic basics and playing from there.
Here’s everything you should know about Second Life Markets:
Spotlighting dozens of rare fashion finds, from archival ready-to-wear to decade-defining items—all timeless pieces that have left their mark in the zeitgeist. Second Life markets are making their debut this weekend in Kuala Lumpur. Mark your calendars and ready your money, because it’s about to be a fun one!
What are the Second Life Markets?
Second Life was founded by my two close friends, Meg and Stella, in Perth. They used to sell pieces from their own wardrobes at local markets, but realised the crowd didn’t always value quality clothing at a higher price point —especially vintage or designer items. That gap inspired them to create a space where people actually understood and appreciated the value of good fashion.
I actually came into the picture as a seller, rotating pieces from my own wardrobe at every event. When I eventually moved to Sydney, we spontaneously decided to expand Second Life there—and it just took off. What started as a little garage sale between 15 friends has now grown organically across Australia, the UK, and now Asia, and has become a community that celebrates creativity, sustainability, and taste.
Second Life has become a platform for people to discover quality vintage, archival and preloved pieces in a way that feels curated, elevated and exciting—not just your typical thrift market.
What does ‘second life’ mean to you?
To me, Second Life is all about circular fashion—giving clothing a second life. Every piece already carries a story, and I love the idea of continuing it. It’s always fun to imagine the woman who wore my Miu Min skirt – per se – before me – who she was, what she was doing, what era she lived in. There’s something so romantic about that—the quiet passing of energy from one person to another. And when it becomes mine, I get to relive it, reinterpret it and eventually pass it on again (if I ever learn to detach).
You’ve described Second Life as more than fashion—it’s about bridging communities across music, culture and style. How do you maintain this multi-disciplinary identity while scaling across different markets?
Community has always been the heart of Second Life – it’s not just about the clothes, it’s about culture. Every city has its own rhythm, its own creative scene, and we try to tap into that rather than impose a specific formula. We collaborate closely with local DJs, artists and creatives, because that’s what makes each event feel alive and authentic. It’s about creating spaces where those worlds can coexist naturally. Even as we grow, the community-driven spirit is what keeps Second Life as it is.
What’s been the biggest challenge in preserving the “Second Life DNA” as you expand internationally?
I think the most important thing is to be able to scale without losing soul. Second Life started as something really personal—friends selling clothes, our friends DJing, a very authentic sense of community. Now that we’re in a different city, it’s really about keeping that same raw, genuine energy alive no matter how big it gets. It’s so easy for things to start feeling too polished, so I always try to make sure every event still feels intimate —to make it feel like you’re part of something special. It all comes down to working closely with local curators, DJs and creatives who really understand their scene, and I think they bring their own flavour, which keeps the Second Life DNA real.
Sustainability and circular fashion are core to your mission, but you’ve built something that feels more like a cultural movement than just a marketplace. What does a thriving Second Life community look like to you?
I think success isn’t necessarily about how many people show up—it’s about what happens once they’re there. So many friendships, collaborations, and even relationships have started in Second Life. I can say this for myself too—some of my closest friends today came from this community, and I think that’s the kind of impact that means the most.
A thriving Second Life community feels alive—people connecting over music, sharing styles and constantly inspiring one another. Everyone who attends brings something unique, and I always feel like we’re all on the same wavelength—creative, curious and open-minded. That’s what makes it feel so special. I love creating an experience with every event—something that goes beyond shopping and becomes a space where people genuinely connect and feel inspired. Sustainability doesn’t have to be serious or exclusive; it can be expressive, social and full of life. That’s what Second Life is really about.
How do you identify the right local partners to maintain quality while ensuring the event feels authentically rooted in each city’s vintage scene?
Curation is everything to us— it’s what keeps each event of Second Life feeling fresh yet true to its DNA. For our KL events, we’ve been working really closely with the team at FIFTH, who’re based in Taman Paramount. They have such a strong eye for curation and are deeply connected to Malaysia’s vintage community, which helps us keep the event authentic to what’s happening on the ground here.
We always look for sellers who bring unique vintage pieces that reflect their own personal style – that’s what makes walking through Second Life so special. Everyone has their own taste, and that individuality really shows in the mix of stalls. We love seeing that variety—from archival and designer pieces to Americana, Y2K and everything in between. It creates this visual dialogue between eras and aesthetics that keeps each market exciting and unpredictable. At the end of the day, it really comes down to working with people who get it. That’s what makes every city’s version of Second Life feel unique, but still part of the same bigger family.
Where do you see Second Life Markets in 3-5 years?
I see Second Life growing into a global movement that continues to connect creative communities through fashion, music and culture. Every event in each city already has its own personality and feel – from Sydney to London to Kuala Lumpur—and to keep expanding that while staying true to what makes each event special is what really means the most. I think the goal isn’t just to grow in size but to deepen the experience—to keep building spaces that feel personal, inspiring, and rooted in community. I’d love for Second Life to evolve beyond just the markets but into a platform that also supports emerging creatives, runs workshops and collaborates with brands that share our values. At the end of the day, it’s about keeping the same sense of connection and authenticity that’s always been at the heart of Second Life.
So whether you’re a seasoned vintage hunter or a curious newcomer, Second Life Markets offers more than just a shopping experience—it’s an invitation to be part of something bigger. Mark your calendars, bring your best taste and prepare to fall in love with fashion all over again. After all, the best stories are the ones worth retelling.
Syameen Salehaldin
A lover of steamy romance books and all things green, Syameen Salehaldin is the Lifestyle Director for Harper's BAZAAR Malaysia. She spends most of her time immersed in books, food and doing anything that makes her happy. Expect to see her diving into lifestyle, fashion and beauty trends on this platform.
