On April 28th, the second-to-last day of Fashion Revolution Week, the Swap Society team got together with friends and fashion lovers alike! We gathered at Open Mind Art Space in LA to swap clothes, sip mimosas, and grab goodies from Made by DWC and Aveda Azure Salon. It was a 4 hour event full of joy and discovery, especially with the help of Native Styling. Although there is so much to be excited about, we must say that diverting textile waste from being discarded, and celebrating friendships (old and new) were the highlights.
Beyond the Label team members Naomi Goez, Audrey Stanton, and Maggie Pa with Native Styling’s Sonia Kessler
Making a Stand Against Disposable Fashion
One of the main reasons we swap, if you haven’t read our post about it yet, is for environmental reasons. Every year, in the US, we accumulate about 70 pounds of textile waste each. Much of this waste ends up being our biggest export and landing in developing countries, releasing toxic chemicals. So many clothing items don’t fully decompose, especially fast fashion pieces. We are pushing for a different kind of fashion, a clothes-sharing industry that rejects textile waste! Last Saturday we had the chance to catch a glimpse of what that could look like.
The clothing swap brought people from different backgrounds together in one space. While many came because they are fighting for fair and clean fashion, others came for the thrill of the hunt and to strike a good deal! Either way, everyone came away with a little more information about the industry. Swapping is one of the best ways to keep clothing from getting tossed, yet continue to keep your closet looking fresh! The room felt electric, and we aim to give you that feeling every time you log onto Swap Society. We’re honored to be a part of sharing and spreading love with individuals all across the country.
Last week, the event saved 532 pounds of clothing from landfills! It’s an amazing feat and everyone who joined us should feel incredibly proud.
Creating a Community Through Swapping
Another reason we love swapping is because it brings people together. Whether between two friends, online, or at an event with strangers, swapping creates connection. There’s a huge lack of personal connection in today’s world, and we are trying to change that. It’s nearly impossible to pick up a swapable item and not think about the journey that brought it to you. Who’s was this? What are they like? What stories could this shirt tell if it could talk?
At the clothing swap, there were women who had known each other for years and were giddily trying on everything in sight. In the same moment, there were new friendships being made over thoughtful style advice. Possibility seemed to be in the air and the comfort of knowing that these clothing pieces were finding loving homes.
Edward and Nicole Robertson, the dynamic duo behind Swap Society
If you still haven’t signed up for a membership we encourage you to peruse the site and see all the wonderful new friends waiting to share their stories with you! We’ll just be here, basking in the glow of clothing swap love.
Audrey Stanton was born and raised in the Bay Area and is currently based in Los Angeles. She has attended the Fashion Institute of Technology, London College of Fashion, and received a BFA in costume design from the California Institute of the Arts. Audrey is deeply passionate about conscious fashion and hopes to continue to spread awareness and love for ethical consumption. Visit her blog audstant.com and follow her on Instagram for lots of #slowfashion inspiration!