Old Spitalfields Market has become known as one of London’s best fashion shopping destinations, and this year we’re getting ready to be serious about swishing. Swishing involves swapping clothes for very little money and mutual benefit, and there’s no better swishing event in London this year than Mrs Bears Swap Shop.  We asked Joanne Walters, owner of Mrs Bears Swap Shop, to shed a little light in her swishing background.

What made you want to start your own swishing event?

Mrs Bear’s Swap shop began back in January 2010 when the recession resulted in my income dropping as a freelance designer. Me and my friends regularly swapped each other’s clothes but the idea came to me that I could hold a swap shop event which would offer more choice. With everyone feeling the pinch of the current climate who wouldn’t love a good rummage to unearth that fabulous frock for less than a £1! 

Why should we be swapping and saving?

The timing was and continues to be perfect. There has been a real shift in consumers “watching every penny” and generally becoming very savvy when it comes to thriftiness. The economic downturn has changed the way we shop. We now want to spend our money on something we believe is worthwhile, so swap shop is financially and environmentally a great alternative shopping experience. 

What are the other great reasons for us to join the swishing revolution?
The environmental aspect of swishing is also important to me. Having witnessed first-hand the obscene amounts of cheap fast fashion and commodity product piled high to the ceilings in garment factories around the world, I have long realised how unsustainable the whole clothing industry has become. I set out to create a shopping experience that would enhance a sense of community, was affordable to everyone and would help reduce the amount of textiles going to landfill.

Why continue to swish?

In the three years I have been hosting the events, it’s the swappers enthusiasm that has fuelled its success. The swapping community is growing all the time as consumers continue to stretch their budgets, reduce their carbon footprint and seek out a more fulfilling shopping experience. 

Swishing is a great alternative fashion shopping experience, and we’re really excited to be hosting four super swishing events with Mrs Bear’s Swap Shop this year. Here all the all-important dates for your diary:

·         Saturday 26^th January

·         Saturday 27^th April

·         Saturday 28^th September

·         Saturday 23^rd November

If you want to find out swell swishing tips from Mrs Bear and to be in the know of the next clothes swap shop, sign up to the Old Spitalfields Market newsletter or follow @OldSpitalfields on Twitter. We’ll be using the hashtag #SwishingSaturday throughout the event this weekend!

Happy Swishing!