While having the opportunity to browse through your favourite shops to update your wardrobe may seem a long way off, that doesn’t mean we couldn’t all do with a fashion fix right about now. And it’s even better if that fix just so happens to be eco-friendly, sustainable and goes towards supporting vulnerable women most affected by the current pandemic. That’s precisely the ethos behind the annual #SheInspiresMe Car Boot Sale, hosted by Alex Eagle, Creative Director of The Store X and Alex Eagle Studio, and Women for Women International. For its fifth year the sale is going completely virtual, bringing cherry-picked vintage finds straight into your home.
Held on Saturday 16 May, the digital car boot sale will be bringing together top fashion stylists, editors, designers, influencers and sought-after brands and asking them to delve into their wardrobes and pick out their favourite pieces to donate. Expect one-off designer items, exquisite vintage finds and unique samples from some of London’s ultimate style tastemakers, including Alex Eagle, Laura Bailey, Alice Naylor-Leyland, Alice Temperley, Mary McCartney and Jimmy Choo.
The sale, supported by DS-Automobiles, offers the chance to buy beautifully curated pre-loved items as a sustainable alternative to fast fashion, giving clothes a second life and supporting the circular economy. What’s more, all the funds raised go directly to Women for Women International, who support vulnerable women survivors of war and their families, many of whom have now found themselves on the frontline of the Covid-19 response.
“The impact of this pandemic is being felt all around the world, but it’s further amplified in war-torn countries where poverty, conflict and gender discrimination make the women we serve most vulnerable to infectious diseases,” explains Brita Fernandez-Schmidt, Executive Director of Women for Women International UK. “Our Car Boot Sale Committee members are opening up their wardrobes so you can support women living in the world’s most dangerous places whilst celebrating your love of fashion.”
The virtual sale will go live across Instagram at 11am on 16 May, with the full programme of style influencers, celebrities and fashion brands taking part being released as soon as the virtual event is live.
“Now, more than ever, is the time for community – coming together and joining forces to help those who need it,” says Alex Eagle. “My friends and I were heartbroken not to be able to hold the sale due to the Coronavirus outbreak, because we know the funds raised for women in some of the world’s most dangerous places are needed now more than ever. So, we’ve set ourselves a challenge to clear our wardrobes and hold a virtual Car Boot Sale. We’re transferring the same spirit of sustainable fashion at great prices online for a good cause – helping women survivors of war, who are facing multiple challenges in this outbreak.”
The sale launches at 11am on Saturday 16 May; visit womenforwomen.org.uk to sign up for exclusive product previews and a first look at the full catalogue of items ahead of the launch
