Eco Fashion Show a Success!

"An affirming and vibrant event caused a great deal of joy at Bethesda Church, Palacefields on the 18th September. Unlike other fashion shows, this was not about expensive new designs, limited to the rich, but rather a celebration of reusing and recycling, and a display of what can be done if we all work together. With a bustle of conversation and up beat music, it was a great pleasure to explore the church before the main event began.

"Accessories (including vintage jewellery, shoes, scarves etc.) and clothing flooded the donations tables, as more and more contributions were made towards the clothes swap, with busy helpers spreading out and hanging up items, as smiles filled the church with the excitement of new items to their wardrobes at no cost to them, or the planet.

"There were plenty of refreshments on hand, all made from fairtrade ingredients; teas, coffees and squashes created a homely and relaxing environment. Sweet refreshments were available, including vegan cakes, and those made from the baker's own produce, such as apple pies made from eggs from their chickens, and apples from their tree.

"The church was laid out differently especially for it, with the staging normally used for the altar crafted into a magnificent catwalk. Projected above were images of nature, reminding the attendees what it was all about. Soon everyone began to settle down into the seats on either side of the catwalk, dressed in their eco finery, and prepared to start the main event: the fashion show.

"Many proud participants enjoyed gracing the catwalk, as they displayed their second hand, well used or crafted attire. One gentleman wore hat knitted by his late mother, which had been created for him over sixty years ago, along with his old school scarf and some second hand trousers.

"An interview was done with a young man, wearing his work overalls, who had been volunteering for a conservation group for over ten years - a true example of service to the planet.

"Three girls came up wearing clothes that had almost entirely been recycled through the clothes swap, allowing all those who donated to see the good their generosity did in real time. Another young participant wore a gorgeous white second hand bridesmaid dress, fixed by her mother. She left the church with accessories to complete it; a white bag and cropped fur coat.

"There was also a garment likened to Joseph's rainbow coat, knitted by a woman out of small squares of wool that would otherwise have been wasted. This piece of clothing was still a work in progress, so perhaps in a year's time we will be granted the honour of seeing it again at an even more magnificent scale!

"The positive impacts of the show outlived the evening itself, with three full bin bags of accessories and clothing going to support local charity shops. But perhaps the most beneficial element of the night was knowledge that everyone gained, as they realised that saving the planet really does mean saving our wallets.

Jess