The call went out to Mill Road area’s fashionistas to try their luck as models for the forthcoming Mill Road Preloved Fashion Show.
Organisers were overwhelmed as nearly 40 men and women of varying ages, styles, heights and ethnic heritages – credible super models every one – turned up for the casting event at the Mill Road Community Centre.
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For full details and to book tickets, click through to the Mill Road Fringe’s Mill Road EcoChic Fashion Show page.
Despite the models’ diversity there are uniting features; all participants love Mill Road and walked with elegance; candidates expressed their love of pre-loved clothing in advance of their screen shots and turns on the catwalk.
It was interesting to learn why they all preferred charity shop and other pre-loved clothes.
Kitty told Mill Road Bridges that she had always worn pre-loved clothes. As a child in Essex her mother would get outfits from Ebay because they searched for quirkiness. Now, as an adult, she continues to shun new clothes.
Pam Wesson, a well-known local trader in pre-loved fashion, is attracted by value and quality, brand-new Amani suits for around £50 for example. She enjoys acknowledging provenance and when she is selling at her outlets she often mentions previous ownership.
Emma and Nicky have collected so many fabulous garments that they now concentrate on looking for statement jewellery; whereas younger people are motivated to get a basic wardrobe economically.
Naturally many participants are motivated primarily by sustainability. Academics and administrators from both our universities were present at the audition. They seem to choose pre-loved to relax in for ethical reasons even if they buy high end High Street and tailor-made suits for work.
Carol’s relationship with preloved fashion stretches back many years, as a young single parent she would dress her children in items from jumble sales out of economic necessity but never resented doing it. Jumble sales gave way to charity shops and styles change but, although she found herself on a firmer footing financially, she refused to buy distressed jeans with holes and grunge shirts at high street prices.
It comes as no surprise that so many participants are motivated by ethical concerns. Fast-fashion is wasteful of energy and water, it exploits human labour and is ruining the planet.
Mill Road EcoChic showcased clothes and accessories from Mill Road’s charity and vintage shops on the catwalk, alongside local designers who specialise in sustainable fashion.
The show offered a unique and memorable celebration of creativity and sustainability, reflecting the diversity and independence of Cambridge’s distinctive Mill Road neighbourhood, featuring stylish, exciting finds curated by enthusiastic fashionistas and modelled by local real people.
Stylish, exciting finds curated by enthusiastic fashionistas and modelled by local real people.
Mill Road EcoChic Fashion Show provided:
- pop-up stalls focused on sustainable fashion
- a spectacular catwalk fashion show featuring clothes from Mill Road’s fabulous charity and vintage shops
- food & drink – pizzas from Scott’s All Day and drinks from Bacchanalia.
For full details and to book tickets, click through to the Mill Road Fringe’s Mill Road EcoChic Fashion Show page.
For any other information email community@millroadwinterfair.org.