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Want the Clothing Exchange to swap for you?
Since we started swapping in 2004, many have approached us seeking information about how they can host an exchange event, or how we can do that for them. As we hope to encourage as much swapping as there is shopping, we happily oblige. Here’s how...
For charity fundraisers
For any individual or charitable organisation that would like to host a single or annual exchange and would like a little guidance in doing so, please contact us by email and we will give you a little advice to help you along. Please write to info@clothingexchange.com.au and tell us about your charity and your fundraising plans!
For councils, schools and community organisations
As we receive a great deal of interest from organisations such as councils and schools, we are happy to assist the development of a clothing exchange event within these community- focused hubs! As we believe there should be a swap within reach for everyone, we have created the ‘SWAP CAPACITY BUILDING PROGRAM’ to help you start a team of swappers within your locale or organisation. For pictures and updates, see the blog
Swap Capacity Building Program
Step 1.
A consultation between your organisation and The Clothing Exchange
(either in the Melbourne CBD or via conference call)
Step 2.
The Clothing Exchange hosts an event at your chosen location, with some volunteers from your organisation
Step 3.
An integrated training session to build the capacity of your team of volunteers to run exchange events. We also provide a hosting kit to help you along your way.
Please email us to notify us of your interest and we can plan the best approach and quote according to your requirements.
For official hosts of The Clothing Exchange
As we have a lovely host team flourishing in Sydney and Adelaide, as well as the original team in Melbourne, we are very excited about expanding into other states around Australia. To do this, we are looking for interested hosts with the skills in event hosting and a soft spot for fashion, sustainability or both!
If you are keen to host your own official clothing exchange events, and have a few folks to help you along the way, write to us and share a little about yourself, your vision for the swaps and tell us why you’re the one for the role! We offer unconditional support, publicity, our entire infrastructure and provide you with The Official Clothing Exchange Recipe, a host kit and ongoing support.
Public Speaking and Presentations
If you have a fashion or sustainability-oriented event or festival and you wish to have the founder of The Clothing Exchange, Kate Luckins (formerly Kate Pears) tell the swap story or speak more broadly about sustainable fashion or sustainable consumption, she’d be more than happy to oblige. Additionally, partner of The Clothing Exchange and eco-fashionista Juliette Anich is also available for presentations that focus on ethical consumption and sustainable fashion. Or, you can always have both present!
Check out the blog to see where they have been speaking lately, and view the contacts page further details.
The Clothing Exchange Intellectual Property Policy
The Clothing Exchange does not have a patent on swapping, in fact we hope that there’s much more swapping and less shopping to ensure a greener future for fashion. In terms of intellectual property, The Clothing Exchange is a service design and it is essential that credits given where it is due. It’s easy to understand when a fashion designer creates a dress- we all know it’s bad news to copy, but the same can be said for service design as it’s a similar process of development. Our system of exchange (in the format of a social event with a 1 for 1 garment exchange with buttons as currency) was developed by Kate Pears as for her Masters of Fashion (by thesis) in 2004 at RMIT University and as such is an independent project with a published record. We sure don’t mind if you take inspiration from our event design because we’re more interested in starting social change than dominating the swapping industry, but we ask that you do it respectfully. And before you do, please make contact with us … info@clothingexchange.com.au
How to take inspiration with good manners
Firstly, make contact with us regardless of whether you are an individual, existing organisation or starting a swapping business. We have loads of experience and we may be able to help you or even work with you…
Secondly, tells us what you are up to so we can enjoy your swapping success and spread the good word. If we have been a source of inspiration to you then our little egos would love to know about it!
Thirdly, make your exchange event distinctive- while our system of exchange works like a charm, it would be best if you have a unique name, theme and refrain from using signatures such as buttons for currency.
Fourthly, please do not copy our website text, documents, graphic design, name or any feature of our brand as we will have to pursue infringements of our copyright and intellectual property.
An Honour Role
The Swaps We Inspired...
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Whitehorse City Council
October, 2009
The Clothing Exchange reunited with Kate and Kirsten from Whitehorse City Council to host another colourful exchange event to celebrate their Spring Festival
Waverley Council
July, 2009
Based in Bondi, this council-based exchange event was a joyful success with the help of The Clothing Exchange Sydney and Melbourne Teams. And the wonderful Sally from Waverley council keep everyone happy with delicious cupcakes and her swap team was incredible!
Whitehorse City Council
March, 2009
The Clothing Exchange had a blast of good green fun when they took the swap to the beautiful boxhill Gardens to celebrate Whitehorse City Councils ‘Earth Hour’ festival.
Woodleigh High School
2008
They used desks instead of racks, and the swapping was sensational for these resourceful students who held their own exchange according to our recipe during ‘environment week’
‘Dharma Sister’s Wardrobe’
2007
A buddhist brighton fundraiser raised money to free Tibet, a cause we were happy to lend our recipe to!
Warringah Council
2008
The friendly folks at Warringah followed our advice... but they could have never anticipated the huuuuge demand for their exchange event!
Winfred & Bance
2007 +
It’s been exciting to hear tales of success from Dee since we gave her a little advice in the early days. Her swaps based in her boutique continue to delight the people of Perth!
Otherwise
2006-2007
It was a true delight to hear that our swaps had inspired a group of young sustainability leaders in the ACT and Kate had the pleasure of opening one of their events and seeing the Recipe come to fruition once again amongst the Canberrian community.
©2010 The Clothing Exchange