There’s no better way to kick start ‘back-to-school’ season than with a slow fashion challenge.
British charity Oxfam’s new campaign called ‘Secondhand September’ just started in the UK and other countries, including France. It aims to encourage us to say no to new clothes and fast fashion for a whole month and shop pre-loved pieces instead.
To inspire us they chose actress Sienna Miller to star in the campaign visuals. She follows in the footsteps of Michaela Cole (from television series This May Destroy You), who did a pretty great a job last year. In this new editorial, Sienna Miller poses in charity shops finds featuring a pop-lime green halter gown, dusty pink frock, high-waist jeans, a striped buttoned shirt and statement, wide-lapelled faux fur leopard coat.
The campaign was shot by Tom Craig and styled/directed by ‘The Queen of Thrift’ herself, Bay Garnett. Like for the past editions, all the clothes shown in the images below were found amongst Oxfam’s donations and will be on sale at Selfridges from Monday 6th September alongside other vintage treasures Bay Garnett curated for this challenge.
Keep reading to find out 5 ways you can take part in the challenge this year.
Sienna Miller in Oxfam’s Secondhand September 2021
What is Secondhand September?
Secondhand September is a celebration of conscious living, the circular economy and choosing more sustainable ways to shop.
“It’s also to raise awareness about the harmful effects of fast fashion on our planet and the people who make our clothes,” explained Harriet Hernando, PR officer at Oxfam to Marie-Claire UK. “Oxfam wants to encourage people to think twice about their shopping habits, so we’re asking the public to only buy second hand for the month of September and to donate their pre-loved items to Oxfam.”
5 ways to get involved in Secondhand September 2021
#1 Find local charity shops and get to know causes they support
By shopping at Oxfam, for example, you’re raising money to help some of the world’s poorest people. Cancer Research UK raises funds to help beat cancer whilst Shelter fights housing injustice. When you give a new lease of life to secondhand clothes, accessories, books and home decor, you’re not only helping the environment by reducing the effect of mass consumerism but also giving money towards a charitable initiative.
#2 Get acquainted with Ebay, Depop and Vestiaire Collective
Luxury resale sites are the best places to find designer goods for less whilst shopping consciously. To avoid losing hours and hours scrolling, set up a few searches and turn on email notifications. This is how I found a gorgeous Stella McCartney Falabella bag, which came in a unique glittery purple shade I wouldn’t have considered otherwise.
#3 Take the pledge and use the #secondhandseptember hashtag on social media
Like more than 50,000 people in 2020, show off your favourite vintage finds and pre-loved pieces from your wardrobe on social media using the official hashtag #secondhandseptember and tagging @OxfamGB. Alternatively, follow one of my favourite vintage fashion influencers and slow fashion muse, Nawal Bonnefoy, who is an ambassador for Oxfam Secondhand September in France this year.
#4 Attend a kilo sale and visit secondhand-related events in your area
If you type in the word ‘secondhand’ in the Evenbrite search bar and refine to ‘this month’ you’ll find super exciting events, panel discussions, conferences, clothes swapping parties and so on to attend this month. I did it for you and found this talk Redefining ‘new’ taking place on the 8th and this free (quite rare) to attend kilo sale.
#5 Subscribe to Slow Fashion Weekly
If you’ve been reading my blog for a while and/or subscribe to my weekly newsletter, you already know I’m all for buying secondhand clothes, hunting vintage treasures and I even have a category called ‘Thrift Guides‘ on this website to help you find great hidden gems. I’ll be covering the topic all month long and beyond so stay tuned 🙂
