BAFTA award-winning actor, screenwriter, and poet Michaela Coel is to launch Oxfam’s #SecondHandSeptember campaign to raise awareness of the impact of fast fashion and to promote shopping second hand.
Oxfam is asking consumers to pledge to buy only second hand clothing for the month of September. The campaign is backed by a number of commercial partners including Selfridges, eBay, and Vestiaire Collective.
Ebay will be hosting a joint auction of curated vintage and Oxfam clothing, to be held on September 10. Vestiare Collective is hosting a charity sale of designer pieces donated by celebrities on September 16. Meanwhile, a 90s Gaultier PVC red suit that Michaela Coel wears in the campaign will be available from Oxfam’s pop-up shop in Selfridges London Designer Galleries from September 7.
Bay Garnett, Oxfam’s independent fashion advisor and curator of the pop-up said: “My idea behind the pop-up shop is about shifting perceptions and context around luxury and second hand clothes – specifically charity shops. So much money is spent by brands in investing in their marketing, advertising and stores; with the aim of charging high prices for their products. This project is a fun way to change the perception of charity shop second hand clothes – shifting them into the luxury context and space of the big guns! With all those bells and whistles – But, crucially keeping the prices the same as they would be in any Oxfam shop.”
Micheala Coel said: “I’m honoured to be the face of Oxfam’s Second Hand September campaign this year. When presented with the data from Oxfam on the impact of fast fashion I felt compelled to add my voice to this cause; I hope it raises awareness and encourages us to reflect on our buying habits and to consider how small changes can have a huge impact on the environment – and in turn the fight against poverty.”
All proceeds will go to Oxfam to help fight poverty around the world. The charity was significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, losing £5m a month during the lockdown period. Danny Sriskandarajah, Chief Executive of Oxfam GB, asks people to show their support by visiting their local charity shop as they reopen and considering volunteering, as some Oxfam volunteers have been unable to return to their positions because they are shielding.
