Newtown is set to host a range of events for Sustainable Fashion Week (SFW) 2024.
The town, once known as "The Leeds of Wales" for its thriving flannel trade, is now looking to make its mark in the sustainable fashion movement.
The initiative aims to address the environmental challenges posed by the fast fashion industry by promoting a circular textile economy.
Cheryl Griffiths, the founder of The Textile Junkies, said: "Newtown has a rich, but forgotten textile heritage.
"We want to unite, rebuild and empower our community to make a stand against fast fashion by moving towards a more circular textile economy."
The fast fashion industry has led to a significant increase in consumption, with the average consumer purchasing 60 per cent more clothes today than in the early 2000s.
However, each garment is now kept for only half as long.
This model is both resource and emissions intensive, and many people are now recognising it as unsustainable.
As a result, there has been a rise in the promotion of 'slow fashion' or 'sustainable fashion', which focuses on mindful consumption, quality, and durability.
SFW 2024, celebrated between September 20 and 29, is dedicated to sparking change in the fashion industry from the ground up, with this year's theme being 'The Power of Repair'.
Newtown is one of the many hubs across the UK hosting events for the week.
The Textile Junkies and Open Energy have teamed up with other organisations, including NPTC, The Textile Museum, and Keep Wales Tidy, to bring a range of workshops and activities to the town.
On September 28, Open Energy and The Textile Junkies will host a screening of 'Fashion Reimagined' at Hafan yr Afon.
The film follows fashion designer Amy Powny as she embarks on a journey to transform her entire business into an ethical venture at every level.
The screening will provide a glimpse into the future of fashion.
Doors open at 6pm and the film starts at 7pm.
Free popcorn will be provided with each booking.
The following day, September 29, will see a whole day of sustainable fashion activities at Hafan yr Afon.
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The event, which is free to enter and does not require booking, will run from 1pm to 4.30pm.
Activities include a sustainable market, a clothes swap, free mending workshops, a clothes upcycling workshop, and a print and paint workshop.
The day will finish with a sustainable fashion show from 6pm to 8pm, where anyone who has upcycled clothes is invited to show them off on the runway.
The event is open to all, whether you're a fashion lover, someone curious about sustainability, or simply looking to switch up your wardrobe at no cost.
A slow fashion exhibition will also be held in the week leading up to the events at Hafan yr Afon.
For more information or any questions about the events, contact openenergy@opennewtown.org or info@textilejunkies.com.
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