The Good Clothes Show: A new era of sustainable fashion
This weekend marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for eco-friendly fashion as The Good Clothes Show opens its doors at the NEC Birmingham, running from 20th to 22nd September.
This three-day event is dedicated to championing sustainable shopping habits, circular fashion, and guilt-free style, offering a fresh perspective on how we can all contribute to a more ethical fashion industry.
Putting eco-conscious habits at the forefront
The Good Clothes Show is designed to provide an inspiring, interactive experience, showcasing pre-loved and vintage clothing alongside independent labels, customisers, menders, and makers. With a focus on three key pillars – swapping, donating, and upcycling – the event encourages visitors to embrace more sustainable ways of shopping, and it aims to breathe life into what it calls “The Circular Machine.”
By partnering with organisations such as Global Fashion Exchange, The Big Swap Events, Smart Works, and White Rose, The Good Clothes Show is creating a comprehensive, full-circle fashion system under one roof. From curated shopping experiences to expert-led talks and workshops, the event is committed to highlighting the many positive spaces within the fashion industry.
A packed programme of industry experts and influencers
Hosted by TV presenter and fashion influencer Annaliese Dayes, The Good Clothes Show boasts an impressive line-up of industry veterans and change-makers. Attendees will have the chance to hear from some of the biggest names in sustainable fashion, including:
- Roberta Lee of Channel 4’s New Model Agency and The Sustainable Stylist
- Lucy Norris of Second Hand Styling
- Alex Standley of Luxe Leopard Lifestyle
- Clare Press, former Vogue Australia editor and host of the Wardrobe Crisis podcast
- Patrick Grant, judge of The Great British Sewing Bee and award-winning Scottish fashion designer
- Tiffanie Darke, founder of Fashion for Good
- Staurt Trevor, founder of Stuart Trevor
Stuart Trevor on Circular Fashion
A highlight of today’s schedule is the panel discussion focussed on “Can Fashion’s Future be Truly Circular? What kinds of things can we do to make a circular system for fashion work?”
Among the speakers is Stuart Trevor, founder of the iconic brand AllSaints and now leading his namesake brand, STUART TREVOR. Known for his innovative approach to sustainable fashion through upcycling vintage pieces, Stuart Trevor will share insights on how the fashion industry can shift towards a circular model, ensuring less waste and more mindful consumption.
Joining him on this thought-provoking panel is Sara Elkholy from the Institute of Positive Fashion, a leading organisation dedicated to promoting sustainable practices within the industry. Together, they will explore the possibilities and challenges of creating a truly circular fashion system, discussing practical steps brands and consumers alike can take to make this vision a reality.
This discussion promises to be one of the most insightful of the event, offering attendees a chance to learn from two industry experts who are driving real change in the world of sustainable fashion.
Workshops, panels, and catwalk shows
The Good Clothes Show isn’t just about listening – it’s about getting involved too. Attendees can join workshops led by well-known figures such as Great British Sewing Bee favourites Jen Hogg and Mercedes Ferrari Plumridge, learn upcycling techniques from experts, or enjoy styling sessions that will help them make the most of their existing wardrobes.
Fashion enthusiasts will be thrilled to know that the event includes catwalk shows in partnership with Select Model Management, where scouts will be present to offer aspiring models the chance to explore a career in the industry.
A triple win: Looking good, feeling good, and doing good
Roberta Lee, The Sustainable Stylist, summarised the essence of the event perfectly: “When you look good, you feel good – that’s a fact. Saving money and saving the planet too? That’s what I call the triple win!”
The event doesn’t just stop at clothes – visitors can also enjoy Silent Cinema screenings, styling sessions, book signings, and have the opportunity to explore new fashion trends like swapping and customising. And for early birds, there’s an extra treat: the first 25 visitors through the doors each day will receive a complimentary pair of shoes from the British footwear brand, Good News Shoes.
Dates, Times, and How to Get Involved
- Friday, 20th September: 10 am – 6 pm (Opening Preview)
- Saturday, 21st September: 10 am – 6 pm
- Sunday, 22nd September: 10 am – 5 pm
Tickets are still available for this three-day fashion festival, and you can get yours here.
The Good Clothes Show is on a self-prescribed mission to inspire positive change within the mainstream market by providing a bridge between pop culture and sustainable fashion. By presenting alternative ways to enjoy shopping for, and engaging with fashion, it aims to set a new standard for how we interact with our clothes and the industry as a whole.
The Good Clothes Show is proud to support Smart Works Birmingham, a charity that helps marginalised women gain the confidence they need to succeed in life-changing job interviews. This collaboration showcases how fashion can have a meaningful impact beyond aesthetics, helping to empower women across the city.
