Fashion Commission is hosting the Global Fashion Exchange (GFX), the international platform renowned for promoting sustainability within the fashion industry as part of the United Nations SDG Campaign which will be bringing its acclaimed clothing swap event in Riyadh for the first time ever as one of Fashion Futures Activations. The GFX Fashion Swap will take place at Personage concept store in Riyadh on December 11-12, and will facilitate the exchange of gently used, pre-loved fashion items within in a dynamic in-store recycling experience that will be open to members of the media, industry and public alike. The swap is built upon a simple yet effective concept; no money changes hands and everyone is invited. The GFX Fashion Swap empowers people to take positive action and support the conservation of the environment whilst actively participating in recycling and upcycling of fashion items. The swap will also feature 45-minute one-on-one workshops with industry leaders, several personalization-focused creator stations and educational installations to create a well-rounded, dynamic store experience that explores elements of everyday sustainability. “The Fashion Commission is honored to host the Global Fashion Exchange which will be taking place in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the first time ever. The GFX activation aims to shift the mindset of not only brands, but also consumers towards sustainable consumption and encourages a more sustainable perception in the future,” said Noura Bint Faisal Al Saud, Ecosystem Integration & Program Delivery General Manager. Participants will be able to donate fashion items at Personage Riyadh for inclusion within the swap during the event’s pre-collection days from 5th to 10th December. Items dropped off during the pre-collection period will be considered a donation. The fashion swap, which takes place on 11th and 12th December, will require participants to pre-purchase tickets and book their time slot via TicketMix. Those wishing to partake in the swap must bring at least one fashion item in clean and good condition to their fashion swap appointment for contribution to the common pool of items. Every item submitted will be screened for quality assurance, with a token being given in its place to the owner. These tokens will serve as the currency for the event, as the swap is 1-to-1, and will be eligible for use upon ‘check-out’. During the two-hour time slot, attendees will have the opportunity to explore the event’s installations, creator stations, and workshops which will address the pressing themes and topics around sustainability in the fashion industry. Moving away from the wasteful cycles of fast fashion, the GFX Fashion Swap will hone in on the exchange of mid to high-end fashion items that are designed for longevity. Exemplary brands include Zimmermann, Sandro, The Kooples, Maje, Zadig & Voltaire, Isabel Marant and All Saints. To ensure a satisfactory and enjoyable experience, the event protocol will require that all items submitted are well maintained, clean and pressed. “We are engaging Saudi consumers with sustainable consumption models for fashion. We want to show that fashion is not just about buying and there are many other ways to satisfy customer interest to be fashionable in fun ways. Swapping in a fun environment with entertainment and putting a key focus on styling with second hand and vintage products, builds new habits for the people. Keep products longer in use. Reduce need to produce more products,” said Burak Cakmak, CEO, Fashion Commission. The GFX Swap Shop represents the latest development for the Fashion Commission as they continue to spearhead the growth of the Kingdom’s fashion sector. The Riyadh fashion swap event marks the first time that the Global Fashion Exchange has visited Saudi Arabia; showcasing the Kingdom’s vision for promoting a forward-thinking fashion industry that is built upon the foundations of sustainable development. “We are thrilled to be a part of a movement towards sustainable and regenerative fashion with Princess Noura. Together, for the very first time we will educate, enhance, and create community around an idea of sharing items in our closets to extend their life. Through the act of consciously renewing our wardrobes we can create a positive impact on people and planet while doing so in a stylish and exciting new way,” Cakmak said. Guests of GFX Riyadh will also experience the best of local and international design focused on sustainable and regenerative techniques, learn from industry leaders about how they can make an impact, and meet new friends who are also passionate about making the world a better place. — SPA