Fast fashion has taken the clothing industry by storm; the mass-production of endless new clothes at unimaginable low costs is everywhere. But not only has quick turnover of trends been bad for our wallets. It has equally been awful for the environment too. In response, the UK’s first and only Sustainable Fashion Week will take place in Bristol this September 16 to 25. Hoping to prove that second-hand can be just as stylish.
A catwalk show will headline the week on the Wednesday (September 21). And will encourage audiences to rethink the longevity of their fashion choices. The drag artist Astro Zenica will bring glamour and theatrics to the ethereal ex-church The Mount Without. While models will strut their stuff in upcycled, vintage and sustainable clothing. Bedminster-based KASK Wine will also provide vegan, organically-sourced drinks for the event.
Elsewhere in the week, Bristol students can discover their new hometown and get a wardrobe upgrade with Re-fresher Your Style. The sustainable student shopping day will take place on Park Street and Queens Road on September 22. A panel discussion will then follow in the evening (6.30pm) at The Vintage Thrift Store. Carefully chosen fashion gurus will discuss the slow fashion movement, alongside live stylings.
On top, many other local Bristol businesses will also be sharing their love for second-hand fashion throughout the week too. The likes of Loot Vintage, Sobey’s Limited and Oxfam will be offering a range of secondhand clothing. On September 21, a two course meal at The Scrandit on Christmas Steps will pair live music with a clothes swap. There will also be a Swap and Shop event at Folk House Cafe on September 22 and a garment alteration workshop in Stapleton on September 24, to bring your old clothes back to life.
Sustainable Fashion Week is supported by community partners Black2Nature, Wear My Wardrobe Out, City of Bristol College and Future Leap who are working in partnership with popular clothing brand Lucy & Yak.
“Collaboration is key to tackling the issues within the fashion industry, and focusing on themes like repurposing and rewearing are exactly what we as a brand are trying to do as well,” said Lucy Greenwood, co-founder of Lucy & Yak. “The chance to share the progress we’ve made while also being inspired by a community of like minded brands, students, makers and designers was a no brainer!”
For more information about Sustainable Fashion Week head here.