Lancaster shows off the art of slow fashion

What is slow fashion all about and how can you get involved? Ahead of a dedicated event later this month, Jane Binnion, MD of The Growing Club CIC tells us more.

Lancashire is pretty good at promoting the whole shop local thing and supporting small businesses, until, that is, it comes to our clothes. Then we seem to go for the easy option, which all too often is cheap and throwaway.

Do you know that damage that the fashion industry does to the environment? Did you know that, for example,  textile dyes are the 2^nd biggest water pollutant?  (read about it here - after you have finished reading this). 

And how often do you stop to think how  can some shops sell brand new dresses so cheaply?  This is called Fast Fashion (just like fast food – think cheap, bad for you, lasts just a few minutes and very addictive!).

That is why Lancaster seamstress Gabriella Bavone in partnership with The Growing Club CIC, an with a LOT of help from their friends, is organising Slow Fashion Lancaster, the art of individuality. On October 20^th at Lancaster town hall there is an afternoon of workshops and stalls showcasing local men and women designers, makers of all types of wearables, upcycling and traditional crafts such as spinning.

That is 12.30 to 4.30pm. Entrance is 50p and free for accompanied children. Then on the evening, 7pm to 9pm there is a fabulous charity fashion show, giving local designers the opportunity to show off their work on the catwalk.

And even the cat-walk is ethical, with models of all ages, shapes and sizes – men and women.

What is Slow Fashion?

Someone described it as “when your clothes are made by someone that enjoyed making them” and I think that sums it up nicely. Of course the other benefit is the clothes are high quality and made to last, just like in the good old days before we thought we had to buy new clothes every weekend.  

And just in case you are worried that you can’t be seen in the same outfit twice, there is also someone there to help you design the perfect capsule wardrobe for you. If you have never had clothes made for you, you should try it.

Personally, I didn’t think I had any design skills, but when you start working with a local seamstress or tailor you get the opportunity to get creative and play around with having items made especially for you - and it is fun. So get October 20^th booked into your diary. The catwalk tickets are just £15, which even  includes a glass of prosecco and nibbles. After the show you can meet the makers and even order a design for yourself, to support a really important industry.

Tickets available at https://www.slowfashionlancaster.com/new-booking