Second-Hand Clothes: Sustainable Fashion Takes Center Stage at London Fashion Week

As Oxfam activists gear up to kick off London Fashion Week with a runway show that celebrates sustainable outfits, they are making a bold statement: Second-hand clothes are not “second best”. The charity’s sixth Second Hand September campaign, launching on Monday, is shedding light on fashion’s impact on the planet’s water resources and emphasizing the significant role shopping choices play in reducing this impact.

Partnering with online marketplace Vinted for its “Style for Change” runway show on September 12, Oxfam is set to showcase pre-loved outfits curated by second-hand fashion pioneer Bay Garnett. Garnett, known for dressing celebrities like Kate Moss in charity shop fashion, passionately advocates for thrifting as a more creative, interesting, and exciting alternative to shopping for new clothes.

Embracing Eclecticism

Garnett challenges societal norms by questioning why celebrities wearing second-hand, vintage, or repeated outfits on the red carpet are considered radical. To her, it’s not about settling for less but making a stylish choice that is both cooler and more environmentally conscious. She finds joy in the eclectic and unique pieces she discovers while scouring Oxfam shops, like a rare pair of 1970s Charles Jourdan shoes paired with an embroidered needlepoint that tells a story.

The Shift Towards Second-Hand

Garnett notes a noticeable shift towards second-hand shopping in recent years, especially among young consumers who view it as a proactive and powerful way to consume. This sentiment is echoed by TV presenter Cat Deeley, who praises the uniqueness and sustainability of second-hand fashion, emphasizing that wearing pre-loved items does not mean compromising on style or quality.

Addressing Fashion’s Water Footprint

As part of its campaign launch, Oxfam highlights the staggering water footprint of the garment sector. The charity’s analysis reveals that buying one pair of jeans and a T-shirt second-hand can save the equivalent of 20,000 standard bottles of water. Producing a single cotton T-shirt requires as much water as meeting the daily drinking needs of 1,600 people, while a pair of jeans consumes enough water for 4,750 people in a day.

Lorna Fallon, Oxfam’s retail director, stresses the urgent need to reduce the water-intensive cost of clothes production, especially as fresh water becomes scarce due to climate change. By embracing pre-loved fashion, consumers can play a crucial role in mitigating the fashion industry’s impact on water resources.

A Sustainable Fashion Movement

Since 2019, Oxfam’s Second Hand September campaign has encouraged consumers to shop more sustainably and make conscious choices that benefit the planet. This year, the charity is collaborating with Vinted for the first time, aligning with the online marketplace’s commitment to sustainable fashion. Vinted is launching its own sustainable fashion show, Pre-Loved Fashion Week, to showcase authentic designer fashion that is both stylish and environmentally friendly.

As the fashion industry continues to evolve, embracing second-hand clothing and sustainable practices is not just a trend but a necessary shift towards a more responsible and eco-conscious future.

About the Author

Rebecca Speare-Cole is a sustainability reporter for PA.