Luxury fashion may be on the bucket lists of many, but ukay-ukay finds are at the forefront for a lot of style enthusiasts. With its more frugal and sustainable options, the thrift store has become a treasure trove for both newcomers and the more seasoned fashionista. The prime examples? Local celebrities!
Ahead, we catalog some of the most stylish celebs who frequent the holy grail called ukay-ukay stores—and proudly, at that.
1. Heart Evangelista
Despite an ultra-luxurious closet in her arsenal, the Filipina style icon isn’t afraid to venture into the racks of thrift stores. A vlog back in 2020 testified to that when Heart rifled through the secondhand shops in Sorsogon and scored a few gems. This includes a stylish P20 top—what a steal!
2. Maris Racal
The Ate, Sandali singer is a loud and proud ukay shopper! Maris Racal has flaunted pre-loved pieces across TV stages to the international streets, including a P50 dress in ASAP Natin 'To and Baguio-sourced coquettish number in New York City.
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3. Shaira Luna
The celebrity and Preview-regular photographer is the internet’s proclaimed “ukay-ukay queen” for a reason. With her well-documented prowess in all things thrift, Shaira Luna has scored her favorite designer items on secondhand shelves across the globe, such as Gucci and Prada staples, and even a P5 dress she unveiled in Designer Faves.
4. Maureen Wroblewitz
The wardrobe of Asia’s Next Top Model isn’t limited to lavish numbers, as her collection also includes her best ukay finds. A 2019 vlog saw Maureen Wrobelwitz returning to her thrift shop roots courtesy of a recommendation from Shaira herself, who suggested a jaunt to the Manila ukay mecca, Makati Cinema Square.
5. Laureen Uy
Before the blogger cemented her status as one of the Philippines’ most fashion-forward, Laureen Uy was an ukay-ukay regular—and occasionally returns to it, too. In one video, the style star revealed that she used to save up her allowance for items as low as P50 and P100. “All you have to do is to mix them with your personal style and everyday [pieces] and you'll be fine!” she said.
6. Mimiyuuuh
The fashion grad knows where to spot the best gems hidden among the thrift store’s inventory, as exhibited by her trendsetting ukay-fused ensembles. Once upon a time, Mimiyuuuh even eyed the ultimate find—a jumpsuit resembling Jennie’s of BLACKPINK, which usually racks up a P90,000 price tag.
7. Ivana Alawi
Actress-slash-vlogger has set out into the world of ukay in her video challenges, but even before that, Ivana Alawi was a self-proclaimed thrift store favorite in the pre-pandemic days. The star might’ve gotten that thrifty trait from her mom, who called ukay-ukay stores her “tambayan.”
8. AC Bonifacio
Known for her Gen Z-approved early aughts-fused aesthetics, one style source for AC Bonifacio are thrift stores in her hometown of Vancouver, Canada. She flexed her skills on the Philippine shores during an ukay challenge, as the renowned dancer scoured the racks for an eye-catching 'fit for less than P1,000.
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