Fashion ... from closet to closet
Southland women can get their hands on a whole new wardrobe while enjoying afternoon tea with their friends at a returning clothes-swap event.
It Came From a Closet is back for a second iteration, encouraging women to donate their clothes and take home a new bagful.
The event has been organised by charity CanBead and Southlander Jo Grimwood, and will be held on May 18 at the Southland Women’s Club in Invercargill.
Southland CanBead co-ordinator Rachael Allan said the format was for people to have a look through their closets and put aside clothing that they don’t wear or doesn’t fit them or “bring them joy”, referring to Marie Kondo’s KonMarie method.
“Today’s clothing swaps help you be both stylish and sustainable,” Allan said.
“They’re not only an alternative to fast fashion where we’re reducing, reusing, and recycling, but also spaces for people to connect with one another.”
More than 60 people were at last year’s event, and the organisers expected about the same number this year, Allan said.
Southland singer Liv Cochrane attended last year and “loved it”, Allan said. She “got a completely new wardrobe, and was planning to bring all the items back for swapping for a new wardrobe for this year”.
Colour and style clothing consultant Brenda Gill would also be there to offer advice to people on their clothing styles.
“[Gill] gets a real kick out of when a person tries on something at her recommendation, and then they actually suit that color and style that they might not have worn before.
“It’s the opportunity to be a bit more adventurous with your clothing style and to try things that you might not have tried before and use the expert knowledge on hand.”
People are invited to bring their clothing donations to the drop-off point at Compleat Wellness on Windsor St from now until May 10, where the bags will be tagged and returned to the person, who will bring them back on the day to refill with new items.
After people drop off their clothes, Allan, Grimwood and CanBead volunteers will go through the donations to check for any holes or markings.
“We sort them out by type so that they’re ready to set up on the day.”
After the event, the volunteers will get to choose from the leftover clothes and keep anything that catches their fancy.
The remaining items will then be donated to a hospice shop in town that CanBead supports.
There is a $55 fee to attend and refill the bags, with proceeds going towards creative therapy in Southland.
Businesses have supported the event by contributing towards a high tea, and there will be sitting areas for women to catch up during the event. There will also be spot prizes available.
“It’s all about enjoying female company,” Allan said.