London's Best Clothes Swap Event
Reinvent Your Summer Wardrobe for Free at London’s Visa Swap
If you love fashion and are fortunate enough to be in London between 21st June and 20th July 2008, then make a note in your diary to participate in one of the biggest and most exciting fashion events of the year.
Visa Swap takes place at Convent Garden, London, for approximately 4 weeks from 21st June; and is likely to attract fashionistas from far and wide.
Last year the event was supported by Mischa Barton and this year, Visa Swap is fronted by Lindsay Lohan. In the Daily Mail’s article of 9th June, 2008, “Lindsay Lohan Sizzles in Photo Shoot Wearing Second-hand Clothes, Lindsay is quoted as saying, "The concept of swapping clothes, getting something for nothing and refreshing your wardrobe appeals to everyone."
What is Visa Swap?
Visa Swap, in association with clothing charity TRAID (Textile Recycling for Aid and International Development.) is an event with a difference. In today’s current climate of ethical and eco-friendly fashion, rather than hanker over the clothing that you can’t afford, turn-out your closet and bring along some items to swap. From designer labels to high-street fashion, garments are there for the choosing, free of charge.
This year the event is incorporating 3 new themes, in addition to womens clothes there will be menswear, fashion accessories and The Visa Swap Market. At the market, according to the Visa Swap website, “swappers can purchase small items from individual designers and artists to customize the items they’ve swapped. Items will include jewelry, corsages, zips and buttons. Stylists will be on hand throughout the day to advise customers on how to achieve a new look with quirky accessories.”
Any items left-over after the swap will be donated to the clothing charity TRAID.
How It Works
The first three weeks of the swap is for accepting items of clothing and accessories, and the final swap takes place on the last weekend, 19th-20th July, 2008.
Bring all your unwanted clothing to the Visa Swap HQ at The Piazza, Convent Garden, in central London. You’ll be given a Visa Swap card, which will be credited with a number of redeemable points, based on the number of items you have brought in.
Bring your card along to the swap weekend, and take your pick of what is available for the number of points you have earned. Not only is this a lot of fun, but you can find yourself a brand new wardrobe in the process.
A special Visa Swap van will also be plying the streets of London, on 6 days during the swap period, to enable swappers to bring their clothes. A schedule of dates and venues can be found on the website.
What to Swap
Visa Swap make some recommendations about what to swap, on their website, alond with tips on how to buy vintage and choose the best second-hand clothes.These include fashionable items of clothing like trendy slogan T-shirts, high-waisted pants, jeans or shorts, blazers,mini skirts, print dresses, suits, man-jackets, trapeze dresses and all kinds of accessories including vintage sunglasses, caps, belts, and chunky jewelry. Bags include totes and oversized and tiny clutch bags, and fashionable footwear such as colorful wedge heels.
The Venue for Visa Swap
The shop, Visa Swap Loft, is in the heart of the tourist district in fashionable and buzzing Covent Garden. Find the Visa Swap shop at No.1 The Piazza, Covent Garden, London, WC2. Drop off starts from 21st June, culminating in the final swap dates, on the weekend of 19th and 20th July, 2008.Make sure and get there early for the best choice!
For more information visit visaswap.com
Clothes Swapping — the New Trend
The idea of Visa Swap is in keeping with the growing trend of swapping rather then shopping, otherwise known as “swishing”. There are now online swishing sites, such as Whatsmineisyours.com and fashionistas everywhere are bring encouraged to hold swishing parties in their homes, offices, cafes and bars, to bring along unwanted clothes and create a new wardrobe.
