In the vibrant landscape of New York City nightlife, one can find a party dedicated to almost any niche interest, from celebrity lookalikes to the aesthetic of indie sleaze. However, on Saturday, May 16, the newsletter-turned-social-platform Perfectly Imperfect, founded by Tyler Bainbridge, hosted an event with a singular focus: the beauty of your old, sticker-covered laptop.
In a collaboration that bridged the gap between tech nostalgia and modern sustainability, Perfectly Imperfect partnered with the second-hand electronics marketplace Back Market to host “Ugly Pretty.” The event was designed to celebrate flawed, lived-in electronics that deserve a second life. The gathering was timed to coincide with Back Market’s latest campaign, which highlights the character found in pre-owned MacBooks, specifically those bearing the remnants of past owners’ sticker collections.
Hosted by turtlewithhat, the event took place at the popular listening bar Silence Please. Attendees were treated to a variety of activities, including free tattoos, a chance to revisit vintage tech relics like the original Gameboy, and a dedicated station to collect stickers for their own devices. The atmosphere was further elevated by a curated musical lineup featuring DJ Thank You, nation, and velvette blue, all while guests embraced a Y2K-inspired dress code that perfectly matched the evening’s retro-tech theme.
The event served as a reminder that our devices carry stories, and that sustainability doesn’t have to mean sacrificing personality. By celebrating the “ugly” marks of use, the organizers encouraged a shift in how we view our aging technology.
