sourcing FABRiC
As this is a reuse competition, we want to see pre-loved, pre-worn, donated or discarded fabric and clothing being used. There’s currently enough clothing on the planet to clothe the next 6 generations, so the opportunities for creative reuse and alterations are endless!
This year, we want to see creative reuse of stained, torn or otherwise damaged textiles - let’s see what we can (re)make!
Here are some of our recommendations for sourcing clothing and fabric for your project:
-
This year, Relove Fashion has partnered with Charity Retail Ireland to provide participants with free unsellable textiles from its retail members.
Charity Retail Ireland members include Oxfam Ireland, Enable Ireland, SVP, and many more across the country.
Scroll to find your participating shop!
-
What do you have at home you could use? Explore your house, and ask family members if they have unwanted materials you could make use of!
-
First of all, how does a Swap Shop work?
It’s simple. They are events where you can bring clothes in good condition that you no longer need. And in exchange, you take home an outfit someone else has brought…. Without any money changing hands. It’s a win-win! You get something new to you, and you give your preloved things a second life!
You could organise a Swap Shop in your school, youth group, community or friendship group. As part of the swap shop, you could collect damaged items that people no longer want, and use them to create your Relove Fashion outfit!
-
Local Freecycle groups operate in communities for people to pass on their unwanted possessions. Google one near you or explore the countrywide group, Zero Waste Freecycle Ireland.
CHARITY RETAIL IRELAND X RELOVE FASHION
Relove Fashion has this year partnered with Charity Retail Ireland, to provide participants with free bags of unsellable textiles to upcycle for their outfits!
What is Charity Retail Ireland?
Charity Retail Ireland is the all-island representative body for charities who operate in the retail space to the triple bottom line, having a significant financial, social and environmental impact. Their members range from large national charities such as Oxfam Ireland, Enable Ireland and SVP, to local, community based charities.
Why unsellable textiles?
Charity shops in Ireland receive many textiles and clothes that can't be resold. These include stained, torn, old, or out of season clothing. We want to see applicants see the potential in these fabrics that would otherwise go to waste!
How to participate:
Email info@charityretail.ie to be paired with the nearest participating retailer.
Participants should then contact the retailer with 2+ days notice to arrange collection. They are able to make special requests for fabric, which the charity retailer will do their best to organise (although not guaranteed, as it’s reliant on donations). Example requests could include: denim, red, or even fleece fabrics.
Participants can then collect their bag of unsellable textiles from store, bringing with them the letter of participation provided by Charity Retail Ireland.
When finished their outfit, the charity retailer will take back any unused textiles and scraps for fabric recycling.
Post about your collection. Tag in the participating store, @relovefashion.ie @charityretail.ie @rediscoveryctr and use hashtag #relovefashion!