Fashion event promotes reuse

Followers of fashion were able to spruce up their wardrobes without spending a thing and helping to reduce at the same time.


Visa teamed up with TRAID (Textile Recycling for Aid & International Development) to set up a glamorous bring and buy sale for fashion fanatics in London.

In the run up to the Visa Swap Shop bargain hunters were invited to bring their unwanted designer clothes and fashion accessories to trade in for points on a special credit card, which could later be redeemed for items donated by their peers.

More points were allocated for exceptional or exclusive pieces.

The three day swap shop, held in central London this week, also included catwalk shows, celebrity outfits and advise on how to customise clothes to give them a new lease of life.

Maria Chenoweth-Casey, chief executive of TRAID, said the idea of the event was to promote responsible consumerism.

“It is possible to look fantastic without buying new clothes and is really important to encourage sustainable fashion activity,” she said.

TRAID was set up to divert clothes and shoes from landfill and reuse, recycle or sell them on to raise money for projects in the developing world.

Fiona Wilkinson, a spoeksperson for Visa, said the event also showed people how to save money and look good at the same time.

“We are committed to clever spending – forget losing track of cash and cheques, swapping is the exciting alternative to shopping,” she said.

Visa Swap shows fashion lovers that the small, everyday purchases such as an accessory, a cosmetic product or the simple customising of an existing garment can make a huge difference to your wardrobe without having to spend large amounts of money.”

Clothes left over from the event were donated to TRAID.

Sam Bond

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