Blue Mountains businesswomen are coming together to host an event where locals will swap clothing and accessories to highlight the war on waste at the Great Springwood Clothes Swap in September.
“When the ABC aired its documentary series, The War on Waste, we were shocked to learn that Australians are currently disposing of 6000 kilograms of fashion and textiles waste every 10 minutes,” said co-organiser Andrea Turner-Boys of Women with Altitude.
“This is compounded by an emerging culture of fast fashion. It’s crazy; it’s a fusion of cheap clothing and social media pressures. Women don’t want to be seen in the same outfit twice.
“We decided to follow the war on waste advice and host a clothes swap and raise some funds for charity at the same time.”
Blue Mountains residents can ‘upcycle’ or ‘re-purpose’ a few items of high quality fashion that they no longer want or need at Springwood Presbyterian Church on September 9. A maximum of five pieces of clothing or accessories is allowed per person. Items will be exchanged for tokens and swappers will be able to exchange their tokens for replacement garments or accessories.
“It’s a great way to save some money and pick up some new treasures for your wardrobe. We will have champagne and nibbles, wardrobe stylists and even a local tailor to help with alteration advice on the day,” said co-organiser Michelle Brown of Arabesque women’s clothing shop in Springwood.
There is an entry fee of $20. All funds raised will be donated to the Queen of Hearts Community Foundation, which support victims of domestic violence.
Tickets and information are available here or pop into Arabesque at 167-169 Macquarie Road, Springwood.