Dubai: Recessionistas rejoice. The UAE's first swish event will be held on Saturday at Raffles Hotel in Dubai.
Swishing, a concept that has taken the UK by storm, is a unique way to walk away with a new designer outfit in exchange for an old one you own.
Held in partnership with the online fashion blog, hellwafashion.com, the event will give Dubai's fashionistas the opportunity to prepare for the upcoming racing season without spending a dirham. The rule is to bring along dresses and/or hats to the event, which can then be exchanged for outfits/hats that have been brought in by other ladies.
To swish means to swap your unwanted quality clothes (so no high-street sales items allowed) that are in perfect or near perfect condition, in exchange for garments you want.
With the party and racing season nearly upon us, the pressure of purchasing new outfits is intimidating for many, especially in today's climate. "I was introduced to swishing by a friend from the UK and it was such a great way to recycle those clothes and accessories that you just feel bad to get rid of," says Bebhinn Kelly, owner and founder of hellwafashion. "It's a great reason to get a group of girls together and not have the hassles of mall parking, queues and credit card bills."
The concept behind the Raffles Dubai Racing Outfit Swish Event is to organise a fashion afternoon that not only is easier on the wallet, but may also produce a community of eco-fashionistas within the UAE.
The only criteria to be followed would be to bring at least one quality racing outfit/hat and exchange it for whatever you find in the room, to the equivalent amount. After the swishing, all ladies will be treated to the delectable Raffles afternoon tea and exclusive gift bag.
The event takes place on November 27 from 2pm to 5pm in the Raffles lobby.
