Last week, on a balmy summer night, around 60 of Melbourne’s most stylish guys and girls gathered at Bella Union. Arms full of unwanted clothing, they were all there for one reason - to see if they could snaffle up that once-in-a-lifetime piece from someone else’s wardrobe.

Trading their stash for a handful of buttons, they headed to the bar for a glass of bubbly to quell their nerves.

Behind closed doors, pieces were shuffled and sorted. Eager eyes awaited the reveal of the collection. As it was finally wheeled out, the excitement was building.

The seasoned swappers knew the game already, quickly scanning the racks for potential treasures and positioning themselves appropriately. Newcomers picked up on this quickly, and followed.

The host gave the word, and the real fun began. If you have never been to a clothes swap, you are missing out on quite an experience. Clothes fly, squeals of delight are entwined with sighs of disappointment. Designer and vintage, classic and high fashion, all are welcomed and desired alike.

As the frenzy died down, there were smiles all around. Sixty girls and two guys left just as they came in, arms full of clothing. Now, however, the clothes were ‘new’. It seems that that one’s person’s trash really is another’s treasure.

Image courtesy of That's Melbourne.

When: 6:30pm, Saturday 20 February 2010

Where: BMW Edge at Federation Square

Cnr Swanston and Flinders Streets, Melbourne (opposite Flinders Street train station)

Cost: FREE!

The Slow Fashion Show, a celebration of style with a lighter footprint, will be held as part of the Sustainable Living Festival in the BMW Edge at Federation Square at 6:30pm on Saturday 20 February 2010.

The event will showcase fair trade, vintage, handmade and environmentally sustainable new fashion and include individuals who demonstrate their unique style without costing the earth.

This is not going to be your normal eco fashion show - the line-up includes activists, cyclists, gogo dancers and, of course, designers all making a song and dance about changing our fashion habits– Slow Fashion is going to show Melbourne how to do sustainable with style!

Designers include The Social Studio, Sosume, Lyptis, Bhalo, Natalie Low, Etiko and more!

Hosted by Winnie & Nai, Melbourne’s very own Singing Style Gurus and ‘Life Change’ Specialists, the show is designed to teach you how to freshen your look and deal with your (and the planet’s) issues! Sometimes harsh critics, they never miss a public opportunity to let the world know that it’s getting SO HOT RIGHT NOW!

Come find some style solutions at the Sustainable Living Festival while celebrating with us!

If you have any further questions please email us at slowfashionshow@gmail.com

When: Wednesday 03 February, 2010

When: Bella Union Bar

Level 1, Trades Hall

Corner of Lygon & Victoria Streets

Carlton South

Tickets: $15 online or $20 on the door, includes free glass of bubbly or wine on arrival

Book here!

Registration and pre-drinks from 7:45pm, swapping will begin at 8:15pm

How the clothes swap works...........

Bring up to 6 items to swap.

The number of items you bring determines the number of items you can take home.

All items must be in good quality condition, clean and neatly folded. (No holes, rips, or worn out - items that have minor faults like a missing button will be accepted)

There are no rules as to how much the item is worth, items are valued and seen differently by all individuals. It may be something that does not fit you anymore, something you have grown apart with and you are happy for it to go to a good home! As the saying goes, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure and an individual eye for style is the key!

Items can include clothing & accessories (hats, bags, shoes, scarves etc) of all shapes and sizes – please do not bring underwear/swimwear or gym wear.

Clothing will be screened at registration to maintain quality standards.

Check in of clothes will begin at 7:45pm – you will be given a drink voucher on arrival and tokens in place of each of the checked in items

Swapping will begin at 8:15pm; racks will be displayed & the room will be transformed into a giant clothing store.

As a courtesy to fellow swappers please take only 3 items at a time to try on. If the item does not fit/suit please hang back on the rack for someone else to take.

Once you are happy with your items, proceed to the registration tables to “check out” and pay using your tokens.

At the end of the evening any left over items will be taken to both a chosen charity and to The Social Studio in Collingwood.

It is unlikely to walk away empty handed from the event, however we cannot guarantee this - being a one off event no refunds will be given.

Thank you for supporting this fundraiser for the Sustainable Living Festival Slow Fashion team, we hope you enjoy the night!

If you have any further questions please email us at slowfashionshow@gmail.com

Proudly supported by Green Hanger.