Sat, 26 Sep 2009 5:17p.m.
By Kim Choe
Forget op-shopping – how about going Shwopping instead?
This innovative event combines fashion with sustainability, and was a huge hit in Auckland today.
When the doors swung open, the madness began.
The Big Shwop combines shopping with swapping, asking participants to trade their unwanted clothes for those of fellow shwappers.
The event was born in Wellington after a group of friends decided it was a good way to encourage sustainability.
“We just had a little clothes swap at home with 10 of our friends and it was so much fun, people just got such a kick out of getting new clothes by trading them we thought, ‘what a cool idea to make it an actual big community event’,” says The Big Shwop’s co-director Inga Boyd.
The organisers say they want people to think more about where their clothing comes from.
“The idea is when you buy news things, buy quality, buy New Zealand made,” says Ms Boyd.
“When you can’t do that or you don’t have that option, then try and recycle or reuse your clothes. The Big Shwop is the perfect thing for that.”
Enthusiastic shoppers of all ages had high hopes of success, and despite the chaos, they all seemed to find it an enjoyable experience.
After two hectic hours, organisers declared the event a success, and say they hope the concept will continue to grow.
The next Big Shwop takes place in Wellington on October 31.
3 News
