Wellington’s Hosts ‘The Big Shwop'

MEDIA RELEASE

Wellington’s Leading Arts Venue Hosts ‘The Big Shwop’

Saturday October 31, 10 am – 2.30pm
The St James Theatre Wellington, 77 - 87 Courtenay Place

Following a fantastic Auckland debut at the country’s top eco-luxury hotel The Langham-Auckland, The Big Shwop is returning to Wellington to be held at the capital’s premier Arts venue – the gorgeous St James Theatre on Courtenay Place.

The brand is gaining strength and momentum as the most talked about eco-fashion event in New Zealand. This is the fourth ‘Big Shwop’ in 18 months, and organisers are thrilled to have The St James Theatre as their new Wellington venue partner for the country’s largest clothes-swapping event. “The Big Shwop creates a fashion store without the money,” says co-director Inga Boyd. “It’s an exciting social event with an inviting atmosphere where people can trade their quality fashion items, and The St James Theatre’s stunning interior has exactly the right luxe-feel to host the next Big Shwop.”

Marketing manager Lyndsey O’Reilly says, "The St James Theatre is at the heart of the Wellington art's scene and we are committed to supporting innovative and exciting events such as The Big Shwop. I can't wait to see the St James First Floor Gallery transformed into a Shwop Shop for the event later this month. It is going to be spectacular!"

The way the event works is simple - people bring along their unwanted, barely worn quality clothes and exchange them for vouchers. When the Shwop begins, shwoppers 'cash in' their vouchers for any of the other lovely threads on offer.

The Big Shwop is an innovative way to combine sustainability with an interest in fashion. “The way in which a lot of our chain store clothing is made has been done with very little respect for the environment or the community of people that have made it,” says co-director Sarah Hopkins. “If we can buy quality when we buy new, like ethically-made fashion or New Zealand-made fashion, and then when we can’t afford to do that, we should look at re-using those pieces of clothes.” The Big Shwop is the perfect way to do that!

Shwoppers not only get the chance to get a brand new wardrobe guilt-free, but thanks to some big name product sponsors they will also come away with a selection of environmentally friendly, NZ made products. Every shwopper will be treated with a glass of MOMO Wine’s 2008 Sauvignon Blanc, and receive gorgeous gifts from Trilogy skincare, ecostore, and People’s Coffee - an entirely fair trade completely organic Wellington coffee company. There is also live music and other spot prizes which will be announced on the day.

Co- director Chrissy McGonigal says the event is a must for anyone interested in fashion and sustainability. “The Big Shwop is a great opportunity for people to participate in sustainable clothes shopping. It’s a fashion event that has a strong focus on quality made, stylish garments and local designers. The Big Shwop gives you the chance to get fantastic new clothes, while enjoying live music, wine and some other great locally made eco-products. What more could you want for a Saturday outing?”

Keen shwoppers should pre-register for the event by visiting the website - www.thebigshwop.co.nz - to secure a place on the day. The event is $10 on the door.
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