NUR-SULTAN – Chi Garage Sales, started five months ago, have become events that inject the capital’s serious and business-oriented atmosphere with fun and creativity. The fifth sale is slated for 2-9 p.m., April 7, at Chili Grill Bar.
First Chi Garage Sale Nov. 11. Photo credit: astana.kipyat.com.
Gaukhar Bekbusinova, Darya Lavrut, Rakhat Nurtazin and Merey Nurtazina organised the first event Nov. 11.
Gaukhar Bekbusinova, Darya Lavrut, Rakhat Nurtazin and Merey Nurtazina.
“The guys and I thought that it is most likely that many [capital residents] are tormented by the problem of cluttered wardrobes. Lately, because of the [easy] availability [of goods], people [started to] buy too much,” said Nurtazina.
Chi Garage Sale stands out from typical resale events. The organising team is selective about the goods to be sold and sellers must apply in advance.
“Visitors can purchase unusual things, where everyone can find products that emphasise their individuality,” she added.
The market of used goods offers film cameras, vinyl records, vintage-style clothing, accessories, jewellery, glasses and other unusual decorative elements that can create a truly outlandish look. The event is held in a lounge-style atmosphere under the musical mixes of local young DJs who create a relaxing atmosphere, making it worthy of a visit even if one has no intention of buying anything.
First Chi Garage Sale Nov. 11. Photo credit: astana.kipyat.com.
Chi Garage Sale is also a creative outlet for young artists who bring their paintings and handicrafts. Guests are offered welcome drinks and the services of tattoo artists and photographers, the latter with prepared sets for photo shoots.
“I like that you can find many extraordinary things from lesser-known designers and small brands, artists who probably couldn’t afford the cost of rent. I liked that a lot, because you don’t see that very often. Many things are exclusive, because they are hand embroidery. [This] means no one will have the same thing as this,” said a visitor at the March 22 sale.
First Chi Garage Sale Nov. 11. Photo credit: astana.kipyat.com.
The concept coincides with the issues of environmental friendliness and re-consumption, both of which are gaining momentum in Kazakhstan. The idea prompted a party where young people can sell their handicrafts or unnecessary things and contributes to a greener environment by supporting artists that remake things for secondary use, said Nurtazina.
“There were some guys who re-sew clothes from second hand [items]. They took parts from other clothes to make a new one. This is very nice. I heard Japan has something like that. This is very environmentally friendly. At the same time, it is nice to have interesting things as that,” noted the visitor.
First Chi Garage Sale Nov. 11. Photo credit: astana.kipyat.com.
“We are very pleased that in Astana (Nur-Sultan) there are a lot of interesting, talented young people who create [and] sell unusual things,” added Nurtazina.
