How a Small Florentine Thrift Store Combats Fast Fashion, Repurposes Unwanted Materials, and Gives Back to its Community All In One

By Alice Totaro (12/07/25) — Florence, IT

Fast fashion is threatening our environment, and CuRemake Spazio Vintage Inclusivo (Inclusive Vintage Space) is a beautiful thrift store in Florence that is working to make a positive impact. I’ve volunteered here for the past couple of months and have come to really appreciate both the welcoming environment and the care the volunteers put into their work, so I decided to further explore the story of the organization.

CuRemake store located in Le Cure, Florence

Recently, I listened to a podcast called “Who’s Up for a Circular Economy,” where the hosts referred to fast fashion as “an environmental nightmare.” They said that “the fashion industry is the second largest consumer of water,” behind factory farming, and it produces 10% of the global CO2 emissions. These are really discouraging statistics, but organizations like CuRemake are doing what they can to reverse this. 

CuRemake is part of a larger organization, Le Curandaie, which provides a network of connection and services to local families while also focusing on job integration to improve social relations. CuRemake, specifically, works in collaboration with the Autism Association Firenze to facilitate the employment of people with autism as part of a “socio-therapeutic path of job placement.”

CuRemake’s vibrant and colorful store interior with volunteers and crafting tables set up.

I had a conversation with Roberta “Robbie,” a volunteer I work with every week, to learn more about the store. Robbie started volunteering at CuRemake after her workplace closed in March of 2020 due to Covid. She said she “felt so uncomfortable to be locked down in the house,” that she wanted to find something to do. She found comfort and community at CuRemake assisting others, where they had shifted to food distribution for families in need during the pandemic. She said that “the organization works to be inclusive” and that they take “a different approach to socialization.”

CuRemake collects donations of all kinds from individuals as well as from other stores in Florence, reducing waste and strengthening the circular economy. Robbie said, “we have a lot of stores that closed and instead of throwing away their stuff, they donate to us.” They collect clothes, shoes, jewelry, books, school supplies, craft materials, and so much more. Then, they make all of these items economically accessible to their customers. Also, while the store is a lively and colorful place, full of “new” options for your wardrobe, a big part of what CuRemake does involves repurposing materials into trinkets and decorations that they sell in addition to clothes.

Holiday decorations made from old books and our crafting table with the beginnings of recycled earrings.

The first Christmas market of the season in Florence began two weeks ago, and CuRemake always has a presence here, selling these trinkets. They also sell their clothes for one or two euros a piece at flea markets weekly. Val, another volunteer, pointed out that people “love a good sale” here, so it’s a great place for CuRemake to sell their items. Val also emphasized that what you don’t like anymore, someone else will love: a popular strategy for customers at these markets is to buy cheap clothes and resell them on Vinted or Depop. “It’s a win-win-win situation,” continuing the cycle of reuse. Upcycling/reusing clothes is good for the environment, it supports CuRemake, and the customers make some money for themselves.

Me and Luisa on our last day of volunteering!

Community building and impact is the most important goal to CuRemake, but they simultaneously run a very sustainable and environmentally conscious business. My experience working here and conversations with other volunteers in my broken Italian have shown me the importance and even the efficiency of working to make a positive impact on people and the environment. And, if CuRemake can help save the planet with crafts and stylish outfits, turning creativity into real impact, it gives me hope that the necessary change for a better future is within our reach.

References:

Clark, Josh and Bryant, Chuck. “Who’s Up For a Circular Economy.” Stuff You Should Know, 15 Nov. 2025. 

Le Curandaie APS - Sito Ufficiale, lecurandaie.it/. Accessed 19 Nov. 2025.