My first swapping party

Last week was the Fashion Revolution’s week and I could not find any event happening in Atlanta, so I thought “if the mountain will not come to Muhammad, then Muhammad must go to the mountain”, I decided to plan a clothes swapping party at home! Here how it went and what I learnt.

Since I planned it pretty last minute, I didn’t have as many people attend as I would have liked, next time I’ll give more notice for people to get organised and maybe even hold the event on the weekend.

I felt it important to emphasise that this is a party and so I made sure my guests had food and drink available. I prepared a platter of finger food, sweet and salty, paired with wine. If you are organising a large meeting you can always go for a potluck and let your guest bring food and drinks of their choice. Don’t forget to play music, it is a party!

One of the most important aspects is the layout. I organised the clothes by typologies, with all the dresses together, the tops, trouser, accessories etc. This allowed for my guests to get a flavour of everything but if you are organising a big event, I think that organising the items per size maybe better. Remember to allow for a room with a mirror where people are able to try the clothes.

Once people arrive, spend some time getting to know each other. That way you will give some time for the people running late and the ice will break before moving onto the clothes.

Before you start swapping, take a few moments to explain the concept and any extra information. It is your event, so you are free to organised as you want but here are some suggestions to think about:

•  Consider is a minimum amount of garment people need to bring. In some parties, they request guest to bring at least five items. In my case, I didn’t give instructions and people were very generous!
•  Consider the maximum amount of garments someone can take.
•  Consider asking people to present what they brought and have people make a request for it. Or you rather give full freedom?
•  Consider allowing for guests to take turns picking garments. I think that if you have a large party, this would be a good way to go so that everyone has a fair chance to get the item they most like.

Once everyone is happy with all their new clothes, give a paper bag away so that they can carry their newly acquired favourites. I personalised each bag with the guests’ name to create a more memorable experience.

Finally, pack all the remaining clothes and find a local organisation that will make good use of them. In my case, I wanted to make sure that the clothes will be given away to the local people in need. I am dropping a full box of clothes to the International Refugee Committee in Atlanta, an organisation that helps refugee to rebuild their lives and regain control of their future in their new community.