Clothes Swapping - In Vogue, in Hungerford

Last weekend I took part in a 'Clothes Swap' or 'Swishing' event in nearby Hungerford (West Berks). 

What is a clothes swap?
Clothes swaps or swishing events, started around 2000, primarily as 'parties', one of the known pioneers of this is Suzanne Agasi.
Participants of the event give clothes they no longer want or need, and exchange them with another persons. Sometimes they may be specialised as to the brands or cost of items, so its a good way for people that like 'fashion' or changing their image to obtain new clothing.
It is also an act of environmentalism, as it stops people from constantly buying new 'fast fashion'.

The one I attended, with my mobile sewing shop, was organised by Lou Evans and a team of friends from Facebook group - Hungerford Ladies . It was very well orchestrated, and a lovely sociable event. I offered my services to Lou, when I saw it advertised, as I thought that some people may find something they like, but it doesn't quite fit them, so an alterations service on site, would be an appropriate addition.

Alteration service and a selection of my re-made clothes

Weeks prior to the event, Lou was collecting clothes from local ladies, and grading them, ready for the swap. From what I witnessed it ran very smoothly, my main concern was that it would be a bit like supermarket sweep, and people grabbing things like they were in the Harrods January sale, but everyone was calm and polite, and managed to find items they wanted.
Here is a short clip of the event being explained by Lou, just as it was about to start.

Samples of products available at the event:

Rails of clothing ready fro the swap

Items married up together to make great outfits

A wide variety of designer and high street shoes available

I wanted to learn more about Lou Evans, as I didn't actually meet her until the day of the event. I was intrigued to know her motivation behind it, and any future plans she had for clothes swapping, as I believe personally, that this is the future of fashion, alongside re-made clothing. The environment can't handle millions of clothes being produced every year, churning out fossil fuels for their production, creating cheap throw away clothing that doesn't even last so will go to landfill, and the carbon dioxide produced shipping it all over the world. We mustn't forget either the victims of 'fast fashion', those people from poorer countries that make it and are exploited to the detriment of their health. If you haven't already read it, please refer to my blog about slow fashion...
Slow Fashion Blog

INTERVIEW with Lousie Evans (Lou)


1. Tell us a little bit about yourself..

I run my own business, involved in lots of local activities and groups including having set up and run Hungerford Ladies Group for the past few years.

2.Where did you get the idea to do a clothes swap?

I'd seen others promoted on Instagram and it sparked the idea.

3. What made you want to organise clothes swaps?

Primarily to encourage less waste.  But also as a social event.

4. What makes a good clothes swap event?

Quality clothes and attendees with a positive attitude to rummaging through a rather selection of items

5. Did you find it easy to gain interest in your clothes swap?

Having spent many years building the Hungerford Ladies Social group it was easy to engage that audience of local potential attendees.

6. Did you encounter any problems whilst organising it?

Not this one.  Was very lucky to get a great venue and some support from brilliant friends

7. Were their any particular items of clothing that were donated that you got excited about?

We had some beautiful dresses that would have been in the hundreds of pounds new.  Also some very expensive and unworn shoes.

8. What are your favourite clothing brands?

I don't have a particular favourite. I tend to look for quality materials which feel lovely to the touch!

9. What advice would you give to someone wanting to organise one for themselves?

Be clear about the criteria for clothes, create some rules, and promote like mad!

10. What are your plans for the future with the swap shops?

We have one booked for 25th January in Hungerford and hope to run ones in Marlborough and Newbury in the first few months of 2020.

Thanks Lou for being inspirational to the women of Hungerford!

On that note, we are looking on-wards and upwards to an exciting 2020 filled with clothes swaps in West Berkshire.

Viva La #FashionRevolution

Foxy

x

Further reading:

Interview with clothes swapping founder Suzanne Agasi

How clothes swapping can help change the world

How to set up a clothes swap