Women’s wear worn, not wasted

Recycling isn’t just saving the environment, it’s now saving the wallets of fashion-loving Sydneysiders.

Raid My Wardrobe will take over the University of Sydney on March 31 when 50 fashion stalls offering pre-worn vintage and designer clothing attract hordes.

Founder and Event Organiser, Rachel Prest said: “People are frugal when it comes to buying anything new. I guess with the higher cost of living and the world economic position being so unpredictable, it’s no wonder people are much more careful about buying new clothes. That’s what compelled me to start this event.”
“It is great to see so many women who wouldn’t normally shop at op shops embrace the Raid My Wardrobe concept,” she said.

Ms Prest first brought the concept to Newcastle, eventually bringing the successful trend to Sydney women.

“Many women are becoming more and more environmentally conscious and socially aware of the impact of fast fashion and the fashion industry” she said.

Ms Prest said she was motived by concerns about commercialism and unnecessary waste.

“The raw materials plus manufacturing process plus distribution and transport to produce one pair of jeans takes 11 cubic metres of water, according to the Scientific American,” she said.
“That’s equivalent of the capacity of a standard-size tank truck.”

The event offers recycled clothing, jewellery, bags, shoes and other accessories.

“Raid My Wardrobe is the perfect guilt-free shopping experience and the perfect way to reuse and recycle quality clothing and accessories,” she said.

“All tastes are catered for from chain-store chic, sleek high-end designs and quirky vintage fashions.”

The innovative idea, encourages women buying and selling to ‘Refresh-Recycle-Reinvent’ their wardrobes.

“With introduction of carbon taxes, talk of ‘how big is your ecological footprint’ and many people being financially challenged, Raid My Wardrobe is one answer to many women’s guilt-trips,” Ms Prest said.

“You don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a whole new wardrobe full of clothes and accessories.”