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As we are becoming more and more aware of the conditions in which the people who make our clothes work, as well as the environmental impact of our society’s tendency towards “disposable fashion”, many of us have begun to question our shopping habits. But a solution to these issues, save from swearing off shopping altogether, is often difficult, leaving us all at the mercy of high street retailers. The startup Nu is hoping to change this. They aim to create a community where people can “Share, Swap and Steal” clothes, and also provide a service to rent ethical clothing: a way for people to still have a constantly changing wardrobe, with minimal environmental and ethical impact.

Nu’s launch party, held in The Workman’s Club, was a promising glimpse into what this venture can become. Organic, hand-printed t-shirts and tote bags were available to buy, and guests were encouraged to bring clothes to swap. A token was provided for each item brought, which allowed people to take a different item home. Each garment was also judged to be either “Basic” or “Bling”, so there was little chance of being short changed in the swapping process. The selection of clothes on offer was good, and was essentially a chance to change up your wardrobe for free. As well as this, up-cycling and also clothing repair workshops showed guests how they can make the most of clothing they already own.

The company’s ethos was also important to the event. This was made evident through elements such as a screening of the chilling documentary, The True Cost, which brings home the impact of our rapacious consumption of clothing on the workers who make it for us. Oxfam representatives were also present at the event to provide further insight into these issues which Nu are taking small steps towards combating. Despite these serious issues forming the premise for the event, there was still a buzzing atmosphere, with drinks and DJs ensuring this was a place for people to mingle and chat, and not just focus on the clothes. Overall, Nu seem to want to create more than a place to get clothes: they’re fashioning a community, a move that is key in escaping the rapid consumption we are currently used to. This slowing of pace that Nu advocates, encouraging us to consider where our clothing is coming from, is vital if the fashion industry is ever to move away from its currently damaging system.