Over four years ago, a small group of women gathered together bringing their unworn clothing, in order to share it with each other, and raise money for charity. Fast forward to 2018 and the concept has grown with over 500 women attending the regular events held across Beijing in people’s homes, with over RMB 100,000 being raised this year alone.
The most recent Christmas Charity Auction was held at East Hotel who are avid proponents of sustainable and charitable initiatives, and saw 45 women gather together for a large scale pop-up clothing event, complete with good food and fine wine, that raised over RMB 15,000. In order to illustrate just how much this movement has grown, last years event, also graciously hosted by East Hotel, raised RMB 6,000.
The Clothing Auction Network is built on three key concepts:
- Community – Strong friendships have formed between the women as they have bonded regularly over clothes, wine and food. New people are always welcome to join in the community, with many women saying they only had to attend one event to become an ‘addict’. Shopping is way more fun with friends, especially over wine, where you can get honest feedback about how things look and what suits you. The auctioneers running the event are able to get the laughs going, making for super enjoyable evenings.
- Charity – All clothing is donated by participants, and then auctioned off with 100% of proceeds being donated to charity, with the leftover clothing either being up-cycled or donated to charity.
- Sustainable Fashion – Buying second hand clothing is a sustainable solution to the environmental problem caused by the fashion industry. Many women suffer from having wardrobes full of clothes they have purchased that don’t fit, don’t look right, or that they just don’t want anymore. Bringing these clothes along to an Auction gives the clothes a second chance to go to a new home. Many of the items at the events have been circulating through the Network for 4 years, and have had several homes as people wear them for a season, then pass them on.
The Clothing Auction Network would love to thank all their sponsors who have donated their products or services to bring extra joy and love to the event – East Hotel, Laurent Falcon Hair Salon, PR/ME Gym, Powerful Human Candles, Pauline’s Cuisine, Zest, and ALL About.
For more information on Clothing Auctions, or if you would like to become a part of this incredible community, WeChat Rebecca on 130 7116 2353.
Photos: Courtesy of Clothing Auction Network
