Giving old clothing new life

St. Vital

The first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970. Since then, concepts such as renewable energy, sustainability and the environment have been on everyone’s mind.

This year, Earth Day falls on Wednesday, April 22 and now, 56 years after its inception, it is known as the largest secular observance in the world. In Winnipeg, many of us will connect with local climate-focused organizations, and we will be able to do so during Earth Day celebrations at The Forks.

One of those events will be a unique fashion event sponsored by Reclothify, a local small business centred around reusing and repurposing old textiles and clothing. If you are someone who loves to hunt through thrift stores, sews or is forever reinventing your wardrobe, this one’s for you.

Alisha Murray, COO of Reclothify, knows how much progress can and is being made in the recycling of garments. Many a day you will find her at the Reclothify warehouse sorting through bales of unwanted items.

“Everyone wants to look unique,” she said, “and one way is to learn is how to revive that favourite top or pair of jeans, for example,” she said.

To that end, Reclothify will be sponsoring a repair café and an All You Can Patch Buffet, hosted by fashion artist Louis Winter. Travel up to the second level and receive a patch to repair that hole that’s been begging for some closure. Just bring a piece of clothing in and watch its revival.

If that isn’t enough,13 local designers will be staging a fashion show from 7 to 7:30 p.m., featuring outfits made from bedspreads to curtains.

“Reclothify is happy to be a sponsor as we educate an audience on how to enjoy a life-cycle of fashion instead of an item ending up in a landfill,” Murray said with a smile.

Also included in the fashion show are well-known designers Lennard Taylor and Hello Darling Co., a company which invites you to customize something to wear while offering up some incredible headbands.

To finish off the day, DJ, Marco will be spinning tunes from 6-8:30 p.m.

For more information, check The Forks event page at theforks.com closer to the date, or visit Reclothify’s social media pages.