The Exchange Project is an initiative that hosts events for people to exchange fashionable clothing in order to reduce waste and encourage sustainability while also creating a night of community and fun. The initiative is being brought to Wilton through a collaboration between Wilton-based WildBloom Skincare, Signature Style, Wilton Go Green and SONO 1420 Craft Distillers., with a curated swap event that merges style with sustainability.
“The Exchange Project: Wilton Edition” is being held on Thursday, May 16, at 6:30 p.m. at Signature Style (72 Old Ridgefield Rd.). Tickets cost $125 to attend and can be purchased online (GMW readers can use code TEPXWILTON to get one free admission with the full-price purchase of a ticket).
Each limited engagement ticket entitles the buyer to an evening of cocktails, entertainment, and sustainable fashion swapping. The goal, say organizers, is an evening for attendees to elevate their summer style in a responsible, earth-friendly way.
Attendees select items from their own closets to swap at the event. Items get dropped off ahead of time at Signature Style.
The Exchange Project curator Carly Ridhoff then curates the items — “handpicking only the finest items that [attendees] would proudly wear, purchase, or lend to a friend,” according to a press release. Ridhoff then assigns attendees with a “credit amount” for top-quality donated pieces. Attendees will receive an email prior to the event detailing the number of items they can shop for in return.
During the event, attendees will shop from among the items donated by other attendees while enjoying cocktails and treats from local businesses. Wilton Go Green members will be there to offer insights on sustainable fashion practices.
Even if attendees don’t have items to swap, the purchase of a ticket entitles each ticket holder to select one curated new piece.
“This event provides a unique opportunity to give new life to those top-label garments sitting in your closet,” organizers of the event said in a press release. “Through The Exchange Project, which was recently featured in Great Day CT, you can ensure these items find a new home where they will be cherished and actively worn, reducing the need for new purchases, and find you a new outfit to rock this summer!”
Anyone interested but unable to attend in person can follow event sponsor WildBloom Skincare on Instagram, to find out about more pop-up events throughout Fairfield County all summer, including monthly curated fashion events through September.
