Following on from the success of Fair Fashion Collective’s inaugural Fair Fashion Festival in March, they are back with a month-long event marking sustainable fashion and textiles, Glasgow-style, from 31st August, to coincide and celebrate Second-Hand September.
Taking part are the businesses that formed the Collective – ApparelXchange, BAM Glasgow, Bawn, Merry-Go-Round, Rags to Riches, Seamster Vintage and Second Cashmere and this time they’ve teamed up with Ailsa Lyall, runner up in BBC’s The Great British Sewing Bee along with a host of other Glasgow-based sustainable businesses – Elphane Antiques, Emma Wylie, Kicks Refurb’d, LAW Design Studio, Nephtali Couture, 1 of 100 Ltd, Repair Café Glasgow, Smith and Gibb, The Swap Club Glasgow, Trakke Bags, Two Hoots Vintage, VEVAR and more!
Over 20 events are set to take place in the above businesses across the month, including various sales of pre-loved, vintage and antique items, repair cafes, invisible mending and darning workshops, pop ups, swap shops, and open evenings.
Commenting on the second edition of the festival, Lottie Blades-Barrett, Owner, Second Cashmere, said: “We’re really excited to be back with our second edition of the Fair Fashion Festival, especially as we’ll be welcoming lots of new businesses who’ll be hosting incredible events across Glasgow throughout September! It’s going to be a much bigger event this time, growing to an entire month of festivities celebrating sustainable fashion and textiles businesses – Glasgow style!”
Commenting on her involvement in the festival, Ailsa Lyall, runner up of The Great British Sewing Bee, said: “High-street fashion promotes an extremely harmful cycle, where consumers are encouraged to buy more and accept lesser quality items that they can simply replace later on. However, it is undeniable that this cycle has grave implications for both the environment and those who make these garments.
For some, I think this can feel like the only option available to them, but the Fair Fashion Festival allows people of all ages to connect with sustainable fashion and question the existing model in an accessible and engaging way.
Since learning to sew, I have become acutely aware of the labour that goes into creating garments. I truly believe that learning to make and mend your own clothes can be instrumental in breaking the attachment to the fast fashion cycle, so I’m extremely proud to be joining the collective this year!
I will be hosting a drop in scrunchie making workshop at Rags to Riches’ Pre-Loved Market on the 14th. This activity is perfect for beginner sewists and is an amazing way to utilise fabric scraps. On the 29th I’m launching my Sunday Social Craft Club. This group, running monthly, is aimed at all abilities and genders and will serve as a space for people to explore creativity and learn from one another in a sober inclusive setting.”
Commenting on taking part in the event, Rosie Gibson, The Swap Club, said: “We’re thrilled to be joining so many local sustainable businesses at the Fair Fashion Festival. The festival is a testament to the hardworking, creative and mindful Glasgow fashion community, which we are proud to be part of. We really hope you’ll join us at a clothes swap or at one of the other amazing events in the programme.”
Gillian McNeil from LAW said: “As a slow fashion brand, I believe it is crucial for our collective of small and fair fashion businesses to unite and amplify our voices together. The Fair Fashion Festival is a powerful statement that together we can showcase how ethics, sustainable materials, values and mindful consumption can create a compassionate future for the fashion industry.”
For more information visit fairfashioncollective.co.uk.
Full list of events:
Explore a wide range of sustainable fashion events and creative workshops happening in Glasgow over the coming weeks. From second-hand sales to embroidery workshops, there’s something for everyone interested in eco-friendly fashion and creative upcycling. Here’s a full list of what’s on:
Second-Hand Circular Sale at Bawn Textiles
Saturday, 31st August 2024 | 10am – 6pm | Bawn Textiles, 613 Pollokshaws Road, G41 2QG
Bawn Textiles is hosting its third Second-Hand Circular Sale for Autumn/Winter 2024. Shoppers are invited to browse a selection of handmade and previously worn garments, as well as surplus fabric from makers’ unused stashes. For those looking to contribute garments or fabric to the sale, submissions must be made by 25th August, following the instructions on the Bawn website. The event is wheelchair accessible.
Personalised Embroidery Drop-In with Mack and Rose
Saturday, 31st August and Sunday, 1st September 2024 | 10:30am – 5pm | Mack and Rose, The Axiom Building, 54 Washington Street, Glasgow, G3 8AZ
Mack and Rose invite you to their pop-up shop and open studio, where you can personalise your items with custom embroidery. Bring something special for embroidery or select from the shop’s offerings. A unique opportunity to add a personal touch to your belongings.
Open Studio and Sale at VEVAR
Saturday, 31st August and Sunday, 1st September 2024 | 10:30am – 5pm | VEVAR Studio & Mill, 141 Broad Street, Glasgow, G40 2QW
VEVAR opens its doors for a special studio tour and sale. Visitors can explore the studio, purchase part cones of fancy yarns, dead stock hand-wovens, and unique sample pieces. Other local makers will also be present, selling their work and supporting the circular creative economy.
A Cashmere Pop-Up with Second Cashmere
Saturday, 31st August – Sunday, 1st September 2024 | 11am – 5pm | 674 Pollokshaws Road, Glasgow, Scotland, G41 2QE
Second Cashmere hosts its first pop-up of the season at The Cooperage Yard in collaboration with the Fair Fashion Collective. This two-day event in Glasgow’s Southside offers a chance to shop for high-quality second-hand and upcycled cashmere knitwear. Please note, this event is not wheelchair accessible.
Vintage Swap Shop at BAM Glasgow
Saturday, 31st August 2024 | 11am – 5pm | BAM Glasgow, 44 Nithsdale Road, G41 2AN
BAM Glasgow returns with an expanded vintage swap shop after the success of their Spring event. Participants are encouraged to bring up to five pieces of true vintage clothing to swap. This is a fantastic opportunity to refresh your wardrobe with seasonal, well-maintained items. Full details are available on BAM’s website. The event is not wheelchair accessible.
Repair Café with Repair Café Glasgow
Saturday, 31st August 2024 | 12pm – 3pm | Clyde Community Hall, 41 Whitefield Road, Glasgow, G51 2YB
Repair Café Glasgow offers a drop-in session where experts will assist with fixing a wide variety of items, from clothes to electronics. No appointment is necessary—just bring your broken items to the café, and they’ll help you repair them on the spot.
Creative Repairs for Stains Workshop
Saturday, 31st August 2024 | 1pm – 3pm | ApparelXchange, 65 Nithsdale Street, Glasgow, G41 2PZ
ApparelXchange hosts a hands-on workshop to help participants creatively cover stubborn stains on their favourite clothes. The workshop is open to all ages (7+), with two hour-long sessions available. The event is free, but tickets must be reserved in advance. Visit the ApparelXchange website to book your spot.
Introduction to Darning Workshop with Second Cashmere
Sunday, 1st September 2024 | 4pm – 6pm | Bawn Textiles, 613 Pollokshaws Road, Glasgow, G41 2QG
Second Cashmere is offering a darning workshop led by their expert knitwear repair specialist, Emily. This two-hour session will introduce participants to the basics of repairing knitwear in a creative, social environment. All materials will be provided, and the event is wheelchair accessible. Use the discount code FFCSEPT24 to enjoy £5 off your workshop booking.
LAW Design Studio: Drop-In Repair Night
Thursday, 5th September 2024 | 5pm – 8pm | LAW Design Studio, 308 Albert Drive, Glasgow, G41 5RS
LAW Design Studio invites you to bring your worn-out clothing to their drop-in repair night. The studio will be open for anyone looking to breathe new life into their wardrobe with expert repairs.
Elphane Antiques Pop-Up at BAM Glasgow
Saturday, 7th – Sunday, 8th September 2024 | 11am – 5pm | BAM Glasgow, 44 Nithsdale Road, G41 2AN
BAM Glasgow will host a pop-up shop by Elphane Antiques, offering a selection of whimsical vintage jewellery and ornaments. This event is perfect for those who appreciate unique, antique treasures.
Get Crafty: Baby Bunting Workshop
Saturday, 7th September 2024 | 1pm – 4pm | Merry-go-round, 34 Nithsdale Road, Glasgow, G41 2AN
Merry-go-round is hosting an upcycling workshop where participants can transform worn-out baby clothes into charming bunting. This event is ideal for parents, grandparents, and anyone interested in reducing textile waste while learning new sewing techniques. All skill levels are welcome. Please note, this event is not wheelchair accessible.
Love & Squalor at BAM Glasgow
Sunday, 8th September 2024 | 11am – 5pm | BAM Glasgow, 44 Nithsdale Road, G41 2AN
Local maker Rebecca Coyle brings her handmade clothing line, Love & Squalor, to BAM Glasgow for a special pop-up event. Each piece is crafted in small batches from natural materials, ensuring longevity and sustainability. This is a great opportunity to see the collection in person, try on items, and make a purchase.
Introduction to Visible Mending Workshop with Second Cashmere
Wednesday, 11th September 2024 | 6pm – 8pm | Bawn Textiles, 613 Pollokshaws Road, Glasgow, G41 2QG
Second Cashmere offers a workshop on visible mending, a growing trend in the world of knitwear repair. Participants will learn how to make a statement with their repairs, whether through embroidery, colour pops, or unique patterns. The event is wheelchair accessible, and all materials are provided. Use the discount code FFCSEPT24 for £5 off your workshop booking.
An Evening with Trakke
Thursday, 12th September 2024 | 6pm – 8pm | Trakke Workshop, 12 Eastvale Place, Glasgow, G3 8QG
Trakke, a Glasgow-based company known for its high-quality waxed canvas bags, is hosting an exclusive evening at their workshop. Attendees will get an inside look at Trakke’s sustainable production process and hear about the company’s journey. A Q&A session will follow the tour, providing insights into sustainable manufacturing.
Rags to Riches’ Pre-Loved Market and Scrunchie Making Workshop
Saturday, 14th September 2024 | 12pm – 6pm | The Glad Café, 1006A Pollokshaws Road, Glasgow, G41 2HG
Rags to Riches, part of the Govanhill Baths Community Trust, will take over The Glad Café for an afternoon of second-hand shopping, music, and creative workshops. The event will feature a scrunchie-making workshop led by Ailsa Lyall, runner-up in this year’s Great British Sewing Bee. The event is perfect for beginner sewists and those interested in upcycling.
Kicks Refurb’d: Pop-Up Shop
Saturday, 14th – Sunday, 15th September 2024 | 11am – 5pm | ApparelXchange CIC, 65 Nithsdale Street, G41 2PZ
ApparelXchange is hosting a pop-up shop dedicated to refurbished trainers. Each pair has been meticulously restored to the highest standards. This is a great chance to find stylish, sustainable footwear while supporting a worthy cause.
Two Hoots Takeover at BAM Glasgow
Saturday, 14th – Sunday, 15th September 2024 | 11am – 5pm | BAM Glasgow, 44 Nithsdale Road, G41 2AN
Two Hoots brings a collection of vintage glass and ceramics to BAM Glasgow for a weekend takeover. This event offers a unique opportunity to find one-of-a-kind home décor items. The event is wheelchair accessible.
Charity Seconds Sale with 1 of 100
Saturday, 21st September 2024 | 10am – 5pm | The Cooperage, 674 Pollokshaws Road, Glasgow, G41 2QE
1 of 100 is hosting a charity seconds sale, offering items from their range at reduced prices. All proceeds will be donated to charity, making this a perfect opportunity to shop sustainably while supporting a good cause.
Make an African Headband with Nephtali Couture
Saturday, 21st September 2024 | 1pm – 3pm | ApparelXchange, 65 Nithsdale Street, Glasgow, G41 2PZ
Nephtali Couture offers a workshop on creating braided headbands using African printed cotton fabric. This session is open to all sewing abilities, with all materials provided. It’s a great way to learn a new skill and create a unique accessory.
Upcycle in Style: Second-hand Screen Printing with Merry-go-round
Saturday, 21st September 2024 | 1pm – 4pm | Merry-go-round, 34 Nithsdale Road, Glasgow, G41 2AN
Merry-go-round hosts a screen-printing event where participants can upcycle their clothing by adding creative prints. The event supports the local community, with proceeds reinvested into the social enterprise. This is a fun and creative way to breathe new life into old clothes.
Swap Shop Glasgow
Saturday, 22nd September 2024 | 1pm – 3pm | McNeill, 106 Torrisdale Street, Glasgow, G42 8PH
Swap Shop Glasgow is a not-for-profit event focused on promoting sustainable shopping habits. Participants can swap clothes, share knowledge, and connect with like-minded individuals in a relaxed setting.
Smith and Gibb Pop-Up at BAM Glasgow
Saturday, 28th September 2024 | 11am – 5pm | BAM Glasgow, 44 Nithsdale Road, G41 2AN
Smith and Gibb, a jewellery brand founded by Rebecca Devine, will host a pop-up event at BAM Glasgow. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the maker and explore a curated selection of sustainable, statement earrings.
Teenager Fashion Swap – Wardrobe Switch Up
Saturday, 28th September 2024 | 2pm – 5pm | ApparelXchange, 65 Nithsdale Street, Glasgow, G41 2PZ
ApparelXchange is organising a fashion swap event specifically for teenagers aged 12 and up. Participants are encouraged to bring an unlimited amount of clothing and footwear to swap, with all items required to be handed in prior to the event. Tickets are available for £5, including a drink, and items will be quality checked before the swap.
