Pre-loved fashion takes the front row at London Fashion Week

Sustainability has long been a watchword at global fashion events, but at this September’s London Fashion Week, it has truly taken centre stage.

Pre-loved fashion hit the catwalk on Thursday as Oxfam opened London Fashion Week with its runway show Style for Change, while eBay held its shoppable show Endless Runway.

In partnership with second-hand marketplace Vinted, Oxfam’s Style for Change – which calls for people to “Dress for the world they want, for everyone, everywhere” – showcased zero-waste designs made from pre-loved fabrics and recycled materials.

If you were sitting in the front row, you may have recognised a few of the models strutting along the Oxfam catwalk. ‘Sex Education’ actor George Robinson, fashion designer Katharine Hamnett, Saturdays singer Frankie Bridge, Ted Lasso actor Kola Bokinni and Scottish supermodel Eunice Olumide were among the models who showed off the sustainable fashion, styled by renowned stylist and fashion editor Bay Garnett.

“People are starting to realise finally that second-hand fashion is a great way forward. We know that it is better for the planet and it raises money where it is needed most. Style for Change will highlight that second-hand is for everyone,” Garnett said ahead of the show.

Like what you see? Every outfit shown on the catwalk is available for purchase throughout September on Oxfam’s online ‘wardrobe’ shop on Vinted.

The star-studded show forms part of Oxfam’s “Second Hand September” campaign, which is now in its sixth year. 

Marking 40 years of London Fashion Week, eBay also put on a show featuring second-hand clothing ­­– as part of its inaugural Preloved Fashion Week ­­– in partnership with the British Fashion Council. 

Hosted by model and presenter Leomie Anderson, Endless Runway was eBay’s first live, shoppable runway show, highlighting the landmark pieces of the last four decades of London Fashion Week: from a vintage Vivienne Westwood dress and Chopova Lowena’s distinctive kilt-esque skirt, to Mulberry’s Bayswater handbag and high-street pieces.

“This is the first time an on-schedule London fashion week show has been exclusively preloved clothes, so it is a monumental moment for circular fashion,” eBay’s Preloved Style Director, Amy Bannerman, told The Guardian.

Could second-hand clothing become a staple of fashion weeks?

Find out how to take part in Oxfam’s Second Hand September here.