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In a world where trends come and go, embracing second-hand clothing is a timeless statement of sustainability, individuality, and the art of rediscovering styles with unique stories. Shopping second-hand for clothing items can turn your wardrobe into a curated gallery of sustainable fashion. Rastrika Shakya from ApEx talked with some people to find out how they feel about shopping for second-hand clothes in Nepal.

Manjila Bajimaya

In a world dominated by fast fashion and instant deliveries, the allure of secondhand and vintage clothing often goes overlooked. But I believe there are many reasons to start buying clothes second-hand. It’s an eco-friendly and budget-conscious alternative. Thrift stores, offering gently used garments, present an opportunity to discover current styles at unbeatable prices. The cyclical nature of fashion means you can easily find hidden gems from various eras, spanning the 20s to the 90s. Beyond personal benefits, shopping second-hand supports small businesses.

I think that shopping for second-hand clothes can be a great life-changing hack. Additionally, selling items allows you to recoup costs, making the second-hand experience not only sustainable but financially savvy. Also, while exploring the world of second-hand clothing I have been pleasantly surprised by the treasures and advantages it brings.

Pooja Tiwari

As a fashion student, I’m intrigued by antique clothing pieces that have a rich history, allowing us to relive the past. Additionally, some vintage items seamlessly complement modern outfits in terms of styling.

I love shopping second-hand. In my experience, each find is a one-of-a-kind treasure. Second-hand clothing is unique, and sometimes you can’t find the same product again because they aren’t being manufactured anymore. Recycling clothes also saves resources and reduces pollution caused by production, which is a good reason to indulge in it.

Samridhi Karmacharya

I thoroughly enjoy purchasing used clothes. I have a special fondness for hand-me-downs. My decision to buy clothes is often guided by the belief that I’ll wear the garment multiple times. Otherwise, I don’t buy clothes at all.  

In all honesty, I rarely buy clothes from retail stores. Instead, I’ve cultivated a preference for either having my clothes made by my local tailor or taking matters into my own hands and sewing them myself. The intention behind each piece, whether stitched by a local artisan or crafted by my own hands, fosters a sense of appreciation. This conscious approach not only aligns with my style but also emphasizes sustainability and an appreciation for the garments I choose to wear.

In the Lives of Puppets

TJ Klune

Fantasy 

In a strange little home built into the branches of a grove of trees, live three robots—fatherly inventor android Giovanni Lawson, a pleasantly sadistic nurse machine, and a small vacuum desperate for love and attention. Victor Lawson, a human, lives there too. They’re a family, hidden and safe. The day Vic salvages and repairs an unfamiliar android labeled ‘HAP,’ he learns of a shared dark past between Hap and Gio—a past spent hunting humans. When Hap unwittingly alerts robots from Gio’s former life, Gio is captured and taken back to his old laboratory in the City of Electric Dreams. The rest of Vic’s assembled family must journey across an unforgiving and otherworldly country to rescue Gio from decommissioning, or worse, reprogramming.

Check & Mate

Ali Hazelwood

Romance | Young Adult 

Mallory Greenleaf is done with chess. Until she begrudgingly agrees to play in one last charity tournament and inadvertently wipes the board with notorious ‘Kingkiller’ Nolan Sawyer: current world champion and reigning Bad Boy of chess. Nolan’s loss to an unknown rookie shocks everyone. What’s even more confusing? His desire to cross pawns again. What kind of gambit is Nolan playing? The smart move would be to walk away. Resign. Game over. But Mallory’s victory opens the door to sorely needed cash-prizes and despite everything, she can’t help feeling drawn to the enigmatic strategist. As she rockets up the ranks, Mallory struggles to keep her family safely separated from the game that wrecked it in the first place.

Hidden Potential

Adam Grant

Self Help | Psychology 

Hidden Potential offers a new framework for raising aspirations and exceeding expectations. Adam Grant weaves together groundbreaking evidence, surprising insights, and vivid storytelling that takes us from the classroom to the boardroom, the playground to the Olympics, and underground to outer space. He shows that progress depends less on how hard you work than how well you learn. Growth is not about the genius you possess—it’s about the character you develop. Grant explores how to build character skills and motivational structures to realize our own potential, and how to design systems that create opportunities for those who have been underrated and overlooked.

As we navigate through the currents of change, certain trends emerge as particularly interesting and impactful, influencing the way we connect, create, and engage with the world around us. From shifts in societal attitudes to advancements in technology, the trends unfolding in various domains offer insights into the collective pulse of our global community. Evana Manandhar from ApEx talked to three individuals, capturing diverse perspectives on the evolving landscape.

Pranjal Pokharel

The remarkable solidarity exhibited by the younger generation in opposing acts of terror in Palestine and championing a call for peace is a deeply impactful and inspiring trend. It transcends political, racial, and religious divides, revealing a collective commitment to a world free from violence and destruction. The sheer number of individuals expressing their disapproval of such acts, irrespective of their backgrounds or affiliations, is a testament to the unifying power of shared human values. 

This movement serves as a beacon of hope, showcasing the potential for positive change when diverse voices unite for a common cause. The global wave of empathy and advocacy for peace not only sheds light on the urgency of addressing conflicts but also underscores the capacity of the younger generation to bring transformative societal shifts. In a world often marked by division, this trend represents a heartwarming testament to the universal desire for a more compassionate and harmonious future.

Bibek Duwal​​​​​​​

In graphic design, one intriguing and impactful trend is the rise of minimalist and sustainable design principles. Many designers are embracing simplicity and eco-consciousness, creating visually striking yet clean and straightforward designs. This movement reflects a broader cultural shift toward mindfulness and sustainability, with designers opting for minimalistic aesthetics that convey messages efficiently while reducing environmental impact.

Furthermore, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the design landscape has become a captivating and transformative force. Designers are exploring innovative applications of AI to enhance creativity and streamline workflows. Whether it’s automating repetitive tasks or leveraging AI algorithms to analyze user preferences, this trend is reshaping the design process. The infusion of AI also holds the potential to revolutionize personalized user experiences, providing designers with powerful tools to create adaptive and context-aware designs. As a graphic designer, staying attuned to these trends not only allows for continuous adaptation but also opens up exciting possibilities for pushing the boundaries of creative expression in the digital era.

Sadee Shakya 

The rise of the minimal makeup trend marks a notable departure from more elaborate and transformative beauty routines. This shift places a premium on achieving a natural and healthy look that enhances features rather than masking them. Embracing minimalism in makeup has become a powerful avenue for self-expression, allowing individuals to project a genuine and authentic image that aligns with their personal aesthetic preferences.

Beyond its visual appeal, the minimal makeup trend has had a transformative effect on attitudes towards beauty. It fosters a sense of confidence and self-acceptance, encouraging individuals to appreciate and celebrate their unique features. Renowned makeup artists specializing in this trend further propel its popularity, emphasizing that beauty can be found in simplicity. This trend’s enduring nature lies in its ability to transcend age and cultural boundaries, resonating with a diverse audience seeking a timeless and universally appealing approach to beauty.

Anurag Kunwar, a versatile artist carving his niche in the Nepali film industry, is a testament to dedication and diverse roles. Despite a background in hotel management, his true passion lies in portraying multifaceted characters on the silver screen.

Having pursued an advanced diploma in hotel management (food and beverage) in Singapore, Kunwar embarked on his cinematic journey upon returning to Nepal. “I was in Singapore for around 4.5 years from 2001, but my desire to pursue a career in my own country led me to return to Nepal,” he says.

Despite his educational background in hotel management, Kunwar found his passion for cinema eclipsing his interest in the hospitality industry. “I wasn’t convinced by the Nepali hotel system. My thought process never aligned with the system, causing me to lose interest despite having an education in hotel management,” he says.

He first established a horse-riding company before movies. “I started Angel Horse and Stable Pvt Ltd in 2010 which provides horse riding and horse buggy services in Kathmandu,” he says. As most of Kunwar’s relatives are from the military and police backgrounds, he says he saw horse buggies during family weddings. “Horse buggies and horses fascinated me since my childhood, so I decided to set up my own horse-riding company,” he says.

Kunwar ventured into acting as a character of a villain in Sudarshan Thapa’s ‘K Yo Maya Ho’ in Aug 2011. His debut role was well-received by the audiences, which helped him find other film roles. His fascination with cinema was nurtured by his friends within the industry, who often remarked on his natural flair for acting. “Sudarshan Thapa who gave me my first acting job is a dear friend,” says Kunwar.

The next movie Kunwar did was ‘Facebook’ in Sept 2012. In 2015, the two movies were released—‘My Promise’ and ‘Woda Number 6’. He then went on to do ‘Raato Ghar’ (2017), ‘A Mero Hajur 2’ (2017), ‘Shatru Gate’ and ‘Chhakka Panja 3’ in 2018. This year Kunwar had two releases, ‘Chhakka Panja 4’ and ‘Ek Bhagavad Ra Ek Gita’. In most of the movies he has done so far, he has been cast as an antagonist.

Reflecting on his movie choices, Kunwar says he gives a lot of thoughts on the character and team dynamics. “The primary factor for me is the ability to justify the character,” he says. “Of course, the cast and crew also play a huge part. They form the backbone of any cinematic endeavor. It’s a collective effort.” Kunwar says.

While remaining tight-lipped about his upcoming projects, Kunwar reveals the completion of the film ‘Hridaya Bhari’,  which is currently in its post-production phase.

“As an actor, I constantly seek diverse roles that allow me to explore new dimensions, ones that the audience may not be familiar with,” Kunwar says. He says he seeks roles that challenge societal norms and intends to delve into characters that mirror his own reserved persona, aiming to unravel unexplored facets through his performances.

“Revisiting my past performances fuels my determination to continually improve as an actor,” he says. “It also motivates me to work with more passion and determination in the next projects.” 

In Nepal, only five percent of the total population watch Nepali cinemas. Kunwar says there is disparity between local and international cinema viewership. “While Hollywood and Bollywood movies often draw audiences despite negative reviews, Nepali cinema faces a different scenario.” 

He says that even with positive reviews, Nepali audiences sometimes hesitate to visit theaters to watch Nepali films. He suggests Nepali viewers to offer local cinema the benefit of the doubt and consider watching it if the reviews are promising. “By being open to supporting Nepali films based on positive feedback, audiences can contribute significantly to the growth of the local film industry,” he says.

“A positive aspect in our industry is the continued production of Nepali cinemas, ensuring that the industry remains active,” he however says a concerning trend arises from filmmakers who create movies without adequate groundwork and preparation. “This lack of thorough planning ultimately affects the quality of the films, consequently dissatisfying the audiences.” 

He also says that it is crucial for filmmakers to prioritize proper research, pre-production work, and meticulous planning to deliver content that resonates positively with the audience and contributes to the growth of Nepali cinema.

Offering advice to aspiring industry entrants, Kunwar stresses the need for comprehensive industry understanding and highlights the industry’s financial instability as a critical factor. “The issue at hand is that Nepali celebrities often compare themselves to Bollywood celebrities without acknowledging the vast difference in market size,” he says. “It’s essential to understand that Nepali cine market is significantly smaller in comparison. While the actor should draw comparisons in terms of acting skills and performance, it’s unrealistic to equate our market volume and payment structures with Bollywood’s.”