EcoFest hits 16th edition with new vendors

Hundreds of shoppers filled Town Center at Cobb on Sunday for the 16th annual EcoFest. The event, hosted by Ecologie Resale & Vintage in Kennesaw, offers a biannual market for vintage clothing, custom home decor, and handcrafted goods. The festival has run for 16 years and remains a fixture for residents interested in sustainable fashion.

Preston Brantly, a senior at Kennesaw State University, took first place in the EcoFest fashion show. He described the event as a way for people to find unique clothing that fits their personal styles. Brantly also noted that the gathering helps build a sense of community among peers who share an interest in fashion.

New to the vendor lineup were August and Amanda Lawson, owners of Dept Market. The couple’s new store combines vintage clothing with screenprinting services. They were inspired by local thrift shops, including 2W Thrift Store in South Fulton. Earlier this year, the Lawsons purchased 1,000 pounds of clothing for $4,000 to start their business. They currently sell their inventory online through Depop and have completed 144 sales. The Lawsons are also working to open a physical storefront in the garage of their Mableton home.

The couple’s brand features a white rabbit logo. August Lawson explained that the rabbit represents the idea of diving into the unknown and taking risks. He said the image reflects the couple’s desire to figure out who they are while embracing the discomfort of new beginnings.

Stephanie Cote, a Cobb County resident, also set up a booth at the festival. She runs Sylph & Syren, a jewelry and home decor business she founded six years ago. Cote designs and ships her products using acrylic and a laser cutter. Her work is inspired by Japanese street fashion and Kawaii culture. Cote emphasized the importance of sustainability in her process, stating that she recycles all plastic scraps from her projects to reduce waste.

Trey Morse, a fashion content creator on TikTok, attended the event to support the vendors. He said EcoFest is important because it brings people together and provides access to cool clothes from local sellers. Ecologie Resale & Vintage continues to promote wardrobe recycling and eco-friendly practices through these biannual gatherings.