From clothing swaps to joint pop-ups, community fashion events are a fun, practical, and unique way to shop for clothes.
Related: This Mid- to Plus-Size Clothes Swap Event Is Tailored Towards Inclusivity and Sustainability
We’ve all pretty much heard of pop-up shops before. They’re little stores that are “deliberately temporary” because perhaps the store doesn’t have a permanent fixture in that location, or the brand doesn’t actually have a physical store.
But they’re not just stores. In this context, community fashion pop-up events can house clothing swaps or closet sales—any kind of fashion event that involves moving of clothing from one ownership to another. Last October 21-22, photographer Shaira Luna hosted a creatives closet sale in Makati where people could score designer or vintage pieces owned by creatives, including the likes of Zild and Anne Curtis.
On October 28-29, one of such community fashion pop-up events will be held at Spotlight Creatives Studio in Tomas Morato, Quezon City. The Diwa Community pop-up event Be Your Own Muse offers not just pieces from brands like Nin and Yang, Le Scarpe, and Beyond Collective, but also workshops and a chance to get flash tattoos. The growing diversity of fashion pop-up events allow for building community, generating conversation, and conscious consumption. If that’s not enough to get you interested in hunting for pop-ups near you, let the reasons below change your mind.
ITS A COMMUNAL EXPERIENCE
Photo courtesy of Likhaan
Shopping’s always better with a friend. More than that, pop-up events allow you to interact with other people, see what they’re interested in, maybe exchange tips or fashion knowledge, and so much more. As community fashion pop-ups gain traction, you’re able to actually get to know the people behind the brands, and the people whose interests and style perhaps align with yours.
FROM ONLINE TO IRL
Photo courtesy of Likhaan
Be honest, how many brands you’ve seen on your Instagram feeds have you wanted to try but didn’t because it’s hard to figure out if a piece fits you online? Well, look no further. These are usually the kinds of brands that have no physical store, but will set up shop at pop-ups.
YOU CAN SUPPORT LOCAL AND SUSTAINABLE BUSINESSES
instagram/beyondcollective__
Labels such as Nin & Yang, Beyond Collective, Sanina, Miu The Label, and so much more, are not your typical big-name fast fashion conglomerates. Some of them are founded and led by young women who are at the forefront of mindful creation and consumption. By shopping at pop-ups, you can patronize these small local brands.
YOU CAN FIND SOMETHING UNIQUE—OR SCORE DEALS
Photo taken by Mikey Martin (@badwriterworselensmanproject)
One of the best things about patronizing small brands at pop-ups is that you can find something totally unique—something not worn by anybody else or something that’s one-of-a-kind because of the way its pieced together (like retaso pieces). Brands also sometimes offer discounts, early access to new releases, or pop-up exclusive items, like what sustainable brand Beyond Collective is doing for the Be Your Own Muse event. Imagine the rare loot you can cop.
THERE’S MORE THAN JUST SHOPPING
Photo courtesy of Likhaan
As pop-ups diversify, they don’t just end up as bazaars where people hawk at customers to buy their products. There can be food, cafe-style hangout areas, styling or photography workshops, and so much more. Some events host panels or roundtables where creators or brands can talk about their advocacies. The possibilities are endless, and it’s wonderful to see how these kinds of events can change fashion practices among communities.
Photos in artwork courtesy of Likhaan, Mikey Martin, and Beyond Collective.
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