Oxfam Boutiques

Thursday 15th of May 2008 02:32:27 AM

Last Saturday, Oxfam International opened the first in its new chain of fashion boutiques. The goal of Oxfam boutiques is to sell original products from sustainable resources. The first store opened in Westbourne Grove, London. Two more stores are set to open in London before the end of June. One of the stores will be on Shawfield Street and the other will be on Chiswick Road.

As part of the celebration of the launch of these new boutiques, some top UK designers have constructed unique garments from discarded clothes and fabrics. These garments are available for purchase on Ebay until bidding closes on May 18, 2008.

There will be 5 different products ranges available for purchase in Oxfam boutiques including:

1. Loved for Longer – donated items. 2. Fair Trade – items made from certified fair-trade cotton. Part of this line includes special Oxfam T-Shirts . The women’s T-Shirts read “Ethics Girl” and the men’s shirts read “Super Human”. 3. Reinvented – clothes and accessories made from unsold Oxfam stock. Oxfam operates more than 700 second hand stores around the United Kingdom that raise money to help those who live in poverty. The clothes made from unsold Oxfam stock will be designed by young designers and students at the London School of Design. 4. Made with Love – made by volunteers. 5. Good Fashion Sense – items made from organic and recycled fibres.

Even the boutiques themselves are designed to use recycled shopfittings and run on ecotricity.

The boutiques will sell high couture and original fashions. However, the profits from these boutiques will go to fight poverty and not to a few already well to do owners.

So, next time you are shopping for that special outfit or happen to be in Westbourne Grove or Shawfield Street or Chiswick Road take a stop in and visit the new Oxfam boutiques.