FASHION: New swap shop for designer clothes

Sisters & Co new Sisters Swap shop. Photo/supplied

If you are like me, there is nothing that gets your heart racing as much as new-season fashion.

But, the flip side of that is the waste and piling up of old season's garments that are still beautiful, and too precious to throw away.The fashion industry is one of the biggest environmental polluters in the world.

Anything bought from Sisters & Co can be brought in if it's in good condition. Photo/supplied

From the chemicals and fibres used to make and dye fabrics to the manufacturing, packaging, shipping and garment care - then the discarding of fashion - this has turned into a massive strain on our beautiful planet. So this is how the idea of Sisters Swap came about.

The products we sell at Sisters & Co are premium brands made with beautiful fabrics and care. It isn't fast, throw-away fashion and for me, walking past my wardrobe bursting full of beautiful garments that are not worn was soul destroying.

So here is the solution, which is great for your wardrobe, the environment and the community.

Anything bought from Sisters & Co can be brought in (if in good condition) and then swapped for credit on your Sisters & Co account. We only keep 15 per cent for an admin fee, 10 per cent (or the full amount) goes to Homes of Hope, and the rest goes on as credit on your Sisters account.

It was originally only going to be an online project but the response has being overwhelming, and it now has a physical store so customers can come and look at and feel the garments.

My goal is for it to get to such a size that we are able to donate a considerable amount to Homes of Hope to make a difference to this amazing charity.

Homes of Hope are going to benefit from donations from the Sisters Swap store. Photo/supplied

*Rodelle Payne is a fashion blogger and owner of Sisters & Co.