Cookies on oxfam

We use cookies to ensure that you have the best experience on our website. If you continue browsing, we’ll assume that you are happy to receive all our cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time. Find out more Close

Fashion blog

Sustainable fashion news and updates, charity shopping tips and vintage styling from the Oxfam Fashion team. Join the discussion.

Shwopping in London Part 2: Meeting the Students at LCF

Posted by Caroline Swarbrick Marketing Events & Digital Co-ordinator for Oxfam trading

27th Apr 2012

Eilise Norris meets the students of LCF at the launch of M&S's sustainable fashion lab

Shwopping wasn't just a one-day stunt. Or a chance to meet Ms Lumley. It's about finding a different future for clothes. And it's a whole series of sustainable fashion activities too. We couldn't wait to get involved.

M&S are opening their Fashion Lab at the Old Truman Brewery for special events over the next two weeks (most open to the public). All you need to bring is one of item of clothing. There'll be amazing designers and London College of Fashion students popping in to show you how to upcycle. We met some of those students and they let us have a look at their projects.

Including Anja Crabb and her biodegradable salmon-skin shoe. Yes, really. A solution to our shoe addiction at last. This clog uses a wooden sole and some clever modular attachment to keep it nail/glue free.

Some new ideas for knitwear, using a South American plant called Fique. Liz Spencer used her own frankly amazing knitting skills to make these textures, then dyed them with beetroot. It's almost sunset pink, don't you think?

We also met Ankita Dokana, who's made shoes out of astonishing materials. Sugar, hemp, organza....the dried leaves is my personal favourite.

Stephanie Steele has designed a jacket that looks like it has animal origins, without using any animal products, for Design Against Fur. Guess the animal. If you didn't say crocodile, look again at those brilliant hand-sewn scaly details.

Finally, Emily Pascoe is on a mission dear to our hearts: a biodegradable shoe that you could walk in and feel good. Emily has been working on another great anti-waste project as well, with a thrifted fashion shoot and more. You can check it out at wasteisblank.wordpress.com.

Have a look at the events going on here. And get shwopping!

Blog post written by Caroline Swarbrick

Marketing Events & Digital Co-ordinator for Oxfam trading

More by Caroline Swarbrick

Image of Caroline Swarbrick