Clothing gets second life for job seekers via Fashion week

Fashionistas attending New Zealand Fashion Week (NZFW) will be invited to donate clothing to pass on to women job seekers as the event focuses on sustainability around social issues.

The Auckland branch of Dress for Success is running a clothing drop-off point where people can donate their gently-used workwear and accessories to give them a second life helping others.

“People can clear their wardrobe and their conscience in the name of sustainable fashion,” said Dress for Success executive manager Susan Miller.

The ability to reuse clothing in many ways so nothing is wasted is what people are focussed on, said Ms Miller.

Last year, the trust helped 1300 job-seeking and in need women in Auckland by giving them a top-to-toe outfit for job interviews.

“It’s about empowering women to become economically independent. That’s the crux of it,” said Ms Miller.

"We use everything that is donated, and nothing is thrown away unless it is rubbish mistakenly put in the bag.

“If there are items that just won’t be used, they get thrown in a rag bag which goes out to H&M, because they have a collection point for fabrics, and there’s also another for another charity bag.

“Absolutely nothing is wasted and everything is re-used, so it’s great for sustainability and recycling. It’s a win-win for everyone,” said Ms Miller.

Green is set to be the new black at this year’s fashion week where sustainability is integrated across all elements of the event, said NZFW Founder and Managing Director Dame Pieter Stewart in a statement.

The global fashion industry is often seen as highly polluting, but New Zealand has a clean and green reputation that we want to showcase and celebrate, said Dame Pieter.