Exeter Slow Fashion Show awards

Exeter Cathedral hosts sustainability event

Exeter Cathedral is hosting a sustainable fashion event on Saturday.

Organisers say 'Slow fashion' is the antidote to fast fashion, similar to the concept of ‘slow food’ which advocates similar principles, such as good quality, clean environment and fairness for both consumers and producers. "Slow fashion companies try to be as transparent as possible, explicitly showing how their clothes are manufactured. They also sell more expensive, well designed and well-produced clothing which will long outlive cheap pieces of fast fashion. Other ways to help increase slow fashion include buying vintage clothes, redesigning old clothes, shopping from smaller producers, making clothes and accessories at home, and buying garments that last longer."

It's part of a week-long annual style campaign organised by the city centre's marketing group InExeter. Called the 'Slow Fashion Show'  it will culminate in the launch of the South West Sustainable Design Award, in which the winner will walk off with a £750 cash prize.

The creative director of the event, Kalkidan Legesse from Exeter independent clothes store Sancho's, says the fashion industry typically involves: "low wages, mass dumping, social disruption or environmental destruction", but the an alternative model - slow fashion - does exist.

Ann Hunter from InExeter claims Exeter's consumers are already shopping more ethically. "Wanting to bring something fresh to Style in Exeter this year, we decided to focus on sustainability as it has bee more than a hot topic."

The evening at the cathedral starts with a series of workshops, before an awards ceremony. The workshops include:

A Clothes Swap

Swap your beloved, but under worn garments with other guests at the show, and tackle one of the fashion industries most pressing issues - over consumption! To take part in the clothes swap bring a maximum of 2 items on hangers that are in good condition and then find the clothes swap area of the show (there will be volunteers helping direct and take your items ready for the swap on the night). 

A Flower Crown Workshop

Embrace your inner Frida Kahlo and learn how to make a Flower Crown with Rivka Jacobs. To take part, find Rivka's stall in the Workshops area and get started.

Clothing Repair with Mattie Richardson 

Learn how to patch up your old clothes by bringing an item or two from your wardrobe that need some TLC. To take part, find Mattie's stall in the Workshops area, sit down and start stitching. 

Make Your Own Skin Care

Find Jennie of The Little Wild's stall in the Workshops area. Sit and get a skin care pack from her, after which she will run you through how to use everyday resources, like coffee, to make skincare that is customised to your skins needs. 

Bath Bomb Making

Join Lush in the Workshops area and learn how to make your very own bath bombs!