Arrivederci Bombay
By Kathryn Sutter
I am not Italian, and I have never visited Bombay (or now Mumbai). However, whenever I am feeling low or in need of a bit of comfort, I reach for my Arrivederci Bombay Jumper featuring stripes, and a massive Elephant head. For some people clothes are functional or just there for protection from the elements. For me clothes hold memories and stories and can significantly change your mood!
I bought this colourful jumper for €1 in a vintage shop in Brussels where I lived for a summer a few years ago. Maybe part of its appeal was that I had no expectations from it – for €1 you are not going to expect a lot. I am also a big fan of elephants and the quiet wisdom they possess. In any case, I always love buying secondhand clothes and imagining the life they lived before they reached me. I remember the shop was closing so I quickly made up my mind and bought it.
For someone who has found it difficult to find new trainers despite my trainers of five years having holes in the toes, this was a very snappy decision! Since then, it has been with me on my first camping trip, kept me warm and cosy through much period pain, accompanied me to art class when I felt nervous trying something new back in the post-lockdown world and been there for many wanders to St Leonards gardens and along the seafront.
I’d say it was value for money as it is currently costing me about 1p per wear – hopefully it will be in my life for many moons to come!
• Kathryn was inspired to write this piece after watching ‘Worn Stories’ on Netflix. Do you have a piece of clothing whose story you would like to share? Contact HIP by emailing [email protected]
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