SECONDHAND ... NOT SECOND BEST
EMMA JOHNSON FINDS OUT WHY ITS ON-TREND TO SHOP PRE-LOVED
A HOST of famous faces hit the runway last week for a very special fashion show.
Models Erin O’Connor, Daisy Lowe and Amadou Fall, TV presenter Miquita Oliver, singersongwriter Birdy, Strictly star and TV presenter Molly Rainford and DJ Woody Cook all appeared in Oxfam’s Fighting Poverty 23.
The charity’s third fashion show, the aim was to overturn the narrative that second-hand is second best and shine a light on the environmental importance of shopping pre-loved.
Second-hand fashion raises crucial funds for Oxfam’s lifesaving work around the world allowing it to respond to humanitarian crises and disasters including the recent devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.
“For over 75 years our shops have been selling clothes to raise money for Oxfam’s vital poverty-fighting work with some of the most vulnerable communities across the world,” says Lorna Fallon, Oxfam’s retail director. “So, what better way to shine a light on the power of fashion for good, than by putting second-hand clothes in the spotlight at London Fashion Week.
“There’s simply never been a more important time to remind audiences of the link between fashion and climate change.
“Choosing secondhand fashion is a positive action we can all take to reduce the need, and demand, for brand new clothes and the polluting emissions they make.”
All of the looks in Oxfam’s show were put together by super stylist Bay Garnett and shoppers can bid on the pieces now on eBay.
Bay says: “I’ve always loved second-hand fashion and I love the planet. Clothes can be superficial, or they can have deep meaning. I love the idea of having purpose in fashion, so styling Oxfam’s fashion show is a magic combination.”
The self-proclaimed “queen of thrifting” and Oxfam’s independent fashion adviser, Bay’s been championing sustainable fashion for over 20 years.
She says: “With more and more of us aware of the impact of climate change and how we can do our bit to help the planet, shopping second-hand has become a popular choice over buying new, especially with younger people. “Not only are you saving money and helping the planet, but you can find incredible individual pieces of clothing that make you think twice about following fast fashion trends.
“And if that wasn’t incentive enough, when you buy from charity shops – my number one place to buy second-hand! – your money is going towards helping someone in need.”
Bay’s tips to help you become a secondhand shopping expert:
■ Before you head to your local charity shops have an idea in mind about what you’re looking for. You might not find it there and then but I promise you a few things will catch your eye! ■ Have a good rummage through your wardrobe and see what you might be missing to give an outfit a new lease of life.
■ Don’t just stick to what you know. Women, browse the men’s section for oversized jumpers and shirts. ■ Don’t forget that charity shops are online too! Oxfam’s online shop is my go-to for the best fashion finds. Be patient and if you have an item in mind that you’d love to buy second-hand rather than pay the full price, keep checking. It’s how I’ve found some of my most treasured items.