Did you know that the UK produces around 1 million tonnes of textile waste a year? And that vintage traders, like the ones you meet at our fair, are not just experts with a love of fashion but amazing people who help to keep this waste down?
We’ve always championed ‘heirlooms not landfill’ as one of our mottos, acknowledging our responsibility as a fair to not only throw an amazing shopping event, but to encourage people to buy clothing that has been made to last and gives pre-loved wares a new home.
This is also the message of Fashion Revolution Week which takes place next week, raising awareness to help make the fashion industry better for people and the planet.
If you’re a vintage lover who’s feeling inspired by this movement, here’s a few ways you can get involved and make a difference…
Write a love story to your vintage clothes
We see a lot of amazing stories come through our doors, but now we want to hear yours! Clothes aren’t about indulging in a shopping spree only to be forgotten about six months later, they carry meaning and memories that grow every time we wear them. Take a moment to fall back in love with some of the vintage clothing you already own and share what makes it special with others. You might choose to simply take a photo of it and post your love letter on Facebook or Instagram, or you might make a video about it, or publish it on a blog. Here’s a guide to help you: http://fashionrevolution.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/FashRev_LoveStory_2017.pdf
Make a pledge
When you realise the impact your shopping habits have on our world, it can really take you aback. We’ve found inspiration in a number of women who have made a pledge to only buy second-hand clothing for at least a year. Whether that’s from vintage fairs or charity shops, it all counts and you may even start the habit of a lifetime (though we’ll let you off for buying new underwear!) Make a pledge this Fashion Revolution Week and challenge yourself to keep it until April 24th 2018.
Create a #Haulternative blog or vlog
If you run your own blog or vlog, you’ll be familiar with the ever-popular ‘haul’ posts showing off your latest purchases and you may have even created one yourself. This Fashion Revolution Week, why not show off a haul of vintage clothing to show your followers how stylish clothing that helps the planet and doesn’t fund slave labour can be! Check out the #haulternative the Clerkenwell Vintage Fashion Fair team created last year for some inspiration and then check out this guide on how to make yours: http://fashionrevolution.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/FashRev_Haulternatives_2017_.pdf