The Neishaa Gharat for Oxfam Collection at London Mela 2013
I love shopping vintage at Oxfam because it is shopping for a good cause. It is not fast fashion that fades. It is clothes that have been pre-loved and want to be loved longer. Shopping at Oxfam is not about following trends; it gives you an opportunity to create your own unique style – new picks that fit within your existing wardrobe to bring a unique twist to that day or evening look.” – Neishaa Gharat
An advocate of sustainable fashion, Neishaa Gharat stresses the importance of quality over quantity in her work. In September 2013, this resourceful approach manifested as the Oxfam Fashion Show, an exciting event emphasising the art of repurposing and presenting the Neishaa Gharat for Oxfam Collection.
To construct this collection, Neishaa sifted through pre-loved donations at two Oxfam recycling centres – Batley and Milton Keynes – as well as Oxfam shops. In addition to selecting pieces to comprise unique looks, Neishaa and a spirited team of volunteers also re-created pieces with handmade appliqué work, giving new life to old garments and illustrating the creative capabilities of shopping at Oxfam.
Once selected, the ensembles were showcased at the Oxfam Fashion Show, accompanied by Neishaa’s Wishing Rail installation and presented during London Mela, a festival celebrating the culture and creativity of South East Asia. Worn by models, each look demonstrated Neishaa’s hand-picked and one-of-a-kind approach to style and proved Oxfam to be both an environmentally-friendly and fashionable place to shop.
A Resourceful Runway
All Eyes on Oxfam
Behind the Seams
Taking a Bow with Anushka Arora of the BBC Asian Network
Rehearsal Snapshots
Sneak a behind-the-scenes peek of the collection, catch up on all the online press, and be sure to check out the Wishing Rail installation!
Photo Credits : Runa Green, Ninety Degree Angle