Club runs clothing drive on campus

Sustainable fashion is being delivered in different ways 

Image by: Asbah Ahmad
The QFSF booth at the ARC with staff.

Queen’s for Sustainable Fashion (QFSF) is hosting clothing swaps at the ARC and events designed to promote fashion sustainability. 

The club was founded in 2020 by Chloe Edwards, ArtSci ’23, with the mandate to spread awareness on the social, economic, and environmental factors behind fast fashion. 

QFSF is doing a two-part event on Sept. 28 and 29 at the ARC where people can bring a few items of clothing to swap for others.

Edwards is looking to spread the club’s message by encouraging and educating students to shop ethically, while understanding the environmental impacts of the fashion industry. 

“We run a lot of events, teaching people how to upcycle their clothes, and how to rework things. Right now, we’re doing our thrift swap, and then we’re going to use a lot of the pieces for future events,” Edwards said in an interview with The Journal

Teaching people how to thrift for second-hand options and upcycle is important given how people sometimes can’t afford sustainable items, according to Edwards. 

“Upcycling can just be giving new life to clothes you already own,” Edwards said.

“Hemming your clothes so they fit you properly is an important skill for everyone to learn in general. We’ve done embroidery workshops, teaching people how to add cute little emblems to their clothes to give it some new life.”

Edwards believes in seeing new life in clothing and knowing when to rework a piece.

On Oct. 3, QFSF will be hosting a “blind date with a fit” event where they curate outfits that have been donated by people. 

“We’re going to be wrapping [an outfit] in brown parchment paper, and then writing little descriptors on it similar to the blind date with a book,” Edwards said. 

“People are just going to be getting a new mystery item and it’s by donation. If they choose to, they can donate one dollar or whatnot, and the funds will all go back to our club. Then all unused clothing is going to be going to YGK thrift and Almost Home Kingston.”

Edwards believes it’s important for students to recognize the importance of sustainability, especially in the context of modern fast fashion brands such as Shein. 

“People don’t understand the implications [fast fashion companies] have on the labourers that work for them. The sweatshops, the conditions of the workplace, the treatment of the workers, the environmental impacts, the amount of plastic and waste that that a company uses.”

“I think it’s important that as young people, we are all aware of where our clothes come from, and what we can do as an individual in order to make our mark.”

QFSF is currently hiring for multiple positions and posts opportunities for students to get involved on their Instagram.

Tags

ARC, QFSF, Sustainability, Swap, Thrift

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