Future of Fashion – Wardrobe ReSTYLE & Clothes Swap Event

Penrith’s future is taking a fashionably sustainable leap forward this year as Council prepares to host its first “Wardrobe ReSTYLE & Swap” event for FREE.

We’re excited to join forces with esteemed eco-stylist, and renowned fashionista Nina Gbor for a styling workshop as she demonstrates how staple wardrobe items can be (re)styled in multiple ways to suit any occasion and body type - quashing the narrative that keeping up with trends means we must buy new!

Then, it’s time for the Clothes Swap! 

This isn’t just any swap—it’s a vibrant, community-driven event where you can trade your clothes (five quality pieces) and positively impact the environment.

Attendees must be willing to bring five items from their own wardrobe to contribute to the clothes swap collection pool.

When deciding what garments to bring to the swap event ask yourself the following questions:

• Would you be happy to wear the item if it was given to you by a friend?
• Is the item clean and free from rips, stains, odours, and pet hair?
• Do any zips, ties, buttons, and buckles on the item function well?

If the answer is ‘no’ to any of these, then the item won’t be considered suitable for this event.

Don’t miss out on this chance to refresh your wardrobe and appreciate the charm of quality and lasting value. 

This is a FREE community event, but bookings are essential as places are limited! Click here to secure your ticket.

Event Itinerary:

• 5:30 pm - 6 pm: Check-in

Registered participants bring their five clothing items from home to contribute to the ‘swap’ collection.

Attendees can mingle while enjoying a bite to eat and live music entertainment.

• 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm: Restyling workshop with Nina Gbor

Nina Gbor is a sustainable fashion educator, eco stylist, international speaker and clothes swap host with over 13 years of industry experience.

This sustainable fashion and circular styling masterclass will show you simple tips and hacks to curate a stylish wardrobe that's tailored to your individual lifestyle and personality, regardless of your age or size! 

• 7:30 pm – 8:30pm: Swap Party run by the Clothing Exchange

Revamp your wardrobe at our pop-up clothing exchange market with a difference! It’s your chance to select up to five quality pre-loved clothing items to take home. Feel good and look fantastic in fresh threads without hurting your finances or the planet.

This project is a NSW Environment Protection Authority Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy initiative, funded from the waste levy. Supported by Penrith City Council.

Further information

What will happen with any clothing items left over after the swap event?

New items will be donated to charities such as Women’s Shelter and Westcare in alliance with local business Textile Recyclers Australia (TRA). If items aren’t in wearable condition, through TRA, items will be cleaned, shredded and spun into new yarn, to make new products.

Why opt for ‘pre-loved’ or ‘second-hand’ clothing?

Currently, the textile industry contributes 1.2 billion tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, if the fashion industry continues its current trajectory, it could use more than 26% of the world’s carbon budget by 2050. 

Collectively, Australians spend $2,500, buying an average of 56 new clothing items per person every year. Increased consumption and poor-quality ultra-fast fashion trends have seen textiles rise as a growing waste stream of concern. Australia is estimated to contribute a staggering 300,000 tonnes of textile waste to landfills annually.

Buying pre-loved clothing is a simple and affordable way to tackle textile waste. Shopping second-hand keeps quality textiles in circularity for longer and slows down the consumption of ‘new’ items, effectively reducing the quantity of textiles sent to landfills.

What are the benefits of learning the art of ‘re-styling’?

Learning the art of re-styling can make your wardrobe feel new simply by wearing your existing clothing in creative and innovative ways. It’s an inexpensive and sustainable practice that allows you to express your unique style without buying new! The sustainable fashion movement is gaining popularity due to its environmental and cost-saving benefits.

Knowing how to style clothing to suit your body shape and size, you will view your current wardrobe with a fresh perspective and be confident to shop at pre-loved and second-hand stores.

As more sustainable fashion retailers emerge, saying ‘no’ to new has never been easier, and it’s a trend worth getting excited about!