Harper’s Bazaar

Tessa Thompson on Shopping Vintage, Red Carpet Style & Gatekeeping | The Good Buy | Harper's BAZAAR

The episode of Harper’s Bazaar’s “The Goodbye” spotlights actress Tessa Thompson as she discusses her love of vintage fashion, red‑carpet styling, and the role of gatekeeping in the industry. Thompson shares recent finds—from a 1988 Vivienne Westwood skirt suit to Chloe jelly sandals—and explains how each piece carries a narrative tied to its former owners. Key insights include the power of Instagram’s algorithm to surface thrift‑store and sample‑sale opportunities, the strategic use of bold colors like red and purple to shape character perception, and the influence of cultural icons such as John Waters, Pee‑wee Herman, and Prince on personal style. Thompson also highlights the importance of supporting independent boutiques, citing Ellen’s downtown New York shop as a model for sustaining the local fashion ecosystem. Memorable quotes punctuate the conversation: “I grew up going to thrift stores out of necessity,” she says, and later admits, “I started wearing red before Hetta so I could get comfortable with the color.” She also reflects on color psychology, noting, “Purple feels powerful; it’s a reminder of my own creative identity.” The discussion underscores how celebrity endorsement of resale culture can legitimize vintage shopping, prompting brands to engage consumers through targeted social‑media campaigns. For the fashion industry, the episode signals a shift toward sustainable sourcing, algorithm‑driven discovery, and the strategic use of color to influence audience perception.