The Alternative Clothes Show returned to Crouch End last Saturday, March 25, where students from City and Islington College joined local models to showcase a range of dazzling outfits crafted using recycled materials.
Since 2013, Transition Crouch End and Hornsey Vale Community Centre have held the Alternative Clothes Show in response to the hidden human and environmental cost of the mainstream clothing industry.
The name promotes all clothing options that are sustainably sourced, ethically produced and non-polluting.
Guests were able to explore sustainable style during an evening packed with stalls, stands, displays and films from anti-clothing waste charity TRAID as well as global poverty charity War on Want.
The show’s organiser, Tilly Williams, said: “This year we were really delighted to welcome our MP, Catherine West, to the show.
“She helped us explain the exploitative and dangerous conditions for sweatshop workers who make our clothes.
“She also seemed to enjoy seeing the unique local models bringing the alternative clothes to life on our Real People Catwalk.”
The Real People Catwalk stole the show as more than 50 models, aged from 16 to 60, showcased Fair Trade ensembles, vintage and charity shop pieces as well as outfits they had sewn, knitted or printed themselves.
Students from the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London were joined by hairstylist Fiona Gaughan in giving up their time to help transform the models’ hair and make-up.
Wardrobe consultants Style Hermit created a free styling advice zone while the London College of Fashion hosted a Hand Made zone full of colourful exhibits from local crafters and students.
The Haringey Association for Independent Living (HAIL) Team were also on hand to provide food while Urban Harvest offered a selection of unique cocktails using locally foraged ingredients.
For more information visit www.alternativeclothesshow.co.uk
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