Dallas: The Dallas Market Center recently welcomed Swap Con, attracting collectors and casual thrifters. With a diverse array of vintage clothing and accessories, the event promotes community, sustainability, and the joy of thrifting, highlighting both nostalgia and modern fashion sensibilities.
In a vibrant display of retro charm and modern sensibilities, the Dallas Market Center recently played host to Swap Con, an event that attracts collectors, fashion enthusiasts, and casual thrifters alike. Held on Saturday, February 1, 2025, the nearly 100,000 square foot venue was filled with racks of vintage clothing, faded t-shirts, leather jackets, and colourful sneakers, echoing the bustling chatter of price negotiations and enthusiasm among attendees.
Swap Con, formally known as the DFW Swap Meet, operates quarterly and has been a staple of the local vintage scene since its inception in 2017. The event was founded by Jason Don Won, who sought to create a space for like-minded individuals to engage in buying and selling vintage items “not online, not outside.” He remarked, “I used to go to thrift stores and find secondhand items just to see if I could find something that was from the ’80s and ’90s, and eventually I met people just like me.”
Attendees could purchase general admission tickets for $5 or opt for a VIP ticket at $25, which provided early access and exclusive merchandise. Vendors at the event were organised into five distinct categories: toys and collectibles, true vintage to Y2K clothing, sneakers and accessories, creative brands, and miscellaneous items. Prices ranged widely, from vintage t-shirts at around $10 to one-drop sneakers priced at an impressive $250.
For many, the thrill of hunting for vintage treasures lies in the exclusivity and the opportunity to acquire rare pieces. First-time attendee Clay Cordova reflected on this experience, stating, “It’s almost like a reward for the journey of searching… that feeling of this is exactly what I was looking for.”
Local vendor Charlie Knight, who has been selling vintage streetwear at Swap Con for six years, stated his preference for thrifting over mainstream retail. “I don’t like stores like H&M, Urban Outfitters,” he said. “It’s not good, it’s a waste, and the stuff they sell breaks and tears and rips.” Like Knight, fellow vendor Johnny “Stink” Van Horn sees thrifting as a sustainable fashion choice, creating alternative handmade clothing from vintage leather.
Thrifting serves personal and emotional connections for many participants as well. Michael “Digital Dash” Connor began his thrifting journey in 2019, seeking pieces from his parents’ closet and inspired by ’90s basketball culture. “Even after all these years, I still have pieces that my dad wore in college,” Connor noted, highlighting the personal significance of these items.
Some vendors, like Trucmai Nguyen, aim to defy traditional gender norms through their collections, emphasising fun and creativity. “A lot of men come into my shop,” Nguyen explained. “I want everybody to be bold and pop out of their shell.”
The community aspect of Swap Con was palpable, with thousands attending over the weekend. Many viewed thrifting as an avenue for bonding and discovering shared interests. “I feel like no matter what style you kind of feel like you fit into… there’s kind of a middle ground for everyone,” seller Ky Fuentes noted, summarising the event’s inclusive nature.
As vintage shopping continues to grow in popularity, events like Swap Con remain crucial in connecting individuals, fostering community, and promoting sustainable fashion practices. With its blend of nostalgia and contemporary style, the thrifting experience at the Dallas Market Center continues to enchant and unite those who seek both timeless fashion and unique finds.
Source: Noah Wire Services
