What the FJ team is taking to the Kowtow Designer Clothes Swap

Our pre-loved pieces could soon be yours.

If you haven’t done your annual spring clean yet, now’s the perfect time to start with your closet. In a few weeks, Kowtow will host an Australian and New Zealand Designer Clothes Swap – a one-day event where you can shop the wardrobes of Melbourne’s stylish community without spending a cent.

It’s part of Kowtow’s ongoing commitment to keeping well-made clothing in circulation for longer. If you have quality local designer pieces sitting in your own wardrobe that aren’t getting the wear they deserve, take them into Kowtow’s Fitzroy store and redeem up to five tokens (one per accepted item) to ‘spend’ on something new-to-you at the swap on October 24.

For more on the circular economy, head to our Pre-Loved section.

There’s also something karmic about letting go of pieces you no longer reach for and trusting the community to send something you’ll love back your way. So in the spirit of ‘you only get out what you put in’, the Fashion Journal team have taken stock of their wardrobes and pulled out a few cherished pieces that don’t get enough wear. Here’s what we’ll be taking to Kowtow – and what we’re hoping to find at the swap.

Daisy Henry, Features Editor

The clothes swap aligns perfectly with my mentality of ‘one in, one out’ – every time I make a new purchase, I try to find one piece that I want to donate or sell beforehand. I’m going to be parting ways with two pieces, and I’m hoping to find a top from Harris Tapper in return (praying!).

Wynn Hamlyn pink top

Like so many people, I was devastated when New Zealand designer Wynn Crawshaw announced the closure of his label, Wynn Hamlyn – which makes this top all the more special. I received it as a birthday gift last year and imagined wearing it with jeans and kitten heels for balmy afternoon drinks. Sadly, the buckle has never quite sat right on me, soI haven’t reached for it. I think it would be perfect for someone with a slightly bigger bust!

Deiji Studios checkered shirt

The only reason I’m prepared to part ways with this shirt is because I admittedly have a few too many from Deiji Studios hanging in my wardrobe already. I originally bought it with a matching pair of shorts and while I’ve worn them to death, I just haven’t reached for this top enough. It’s 100 per cent organic cotton, so it’s a great lightweight staple moving into warmer months. I see it styled with a relaxed pair of brown pants or shorts for a monochrome look.

Lara Daly, Senior Editor

I desperately need to streamline and make space in my wardrobe, so I’m (reluctantly) sending three pieces out to the Kowtow Clothes Swap universe. In return, I’m manifesting a grey midi skirt and an E Nolan shirt, pretty please.

Acler navy blazer

I wish I was a blazer person. I scored this gorgeous jacket from Acler last Melbourne Fashion Week and I felt like a boss wearing it to the runways and a few work events during the holiday season. I love the Western details with the white contrast stitching and straps at the pockets and across the back. Someone out there will give it the frequent outings it deserves!

Penny Sage cotton top

This is such a cute top from New Zealand label Penny Sage. Designer Kate Megaw always makes the most flattering, feminine cuts that feel timeless. Every Penny Sage piece I’ve purchased has remained in heavy rotation in my wardrobe but for some reason, I don’t reach for this one enough. I find it hard to style with my current wardrobe, so off it goes to find its new home.

L.H white cotton shirt

I bought this made-to-order shirt from Melbourne-based designer Lauren Hitchcock before I went to New Zealand Fashion Week last year. It’s a lovely light, almost sheer cotton, with a shirred bustier-style twist on a classic shirt. Sadly, I haven’t worn it as much as I’d hoped, I think I’m slightly too busty for it and the buttons don’t sit quite right. My loss, someone else’s win.

Jillian Arcenas, Content and Production Coordinator

Local designers do wardrobe basics well, so I’m keeping my eyes peeled for that at the swap. I’m taking in two pieces I don’t wear enough and I hope to find a cropped black T-shirt or a classic white tank.

Olivia Rowan white T-shirt

Going through my wardrobe, there are so many pieces I look at and think, I’ll eventually wear you, but let’s be honest, I never do. This Olivia Rowan top is one of those pieces. I love its flowy, drapey shape, which makes it feel more elevated than your classic white T-shirt while still being versatile. It’s a piece I love, but it’s time for someone else to give it the wear it deserves.

Pseushi jeans

These Pseushi jeans also deserve more love than I’ve been giving them. I love the wide-leg silhouette and dusty brown colour, which makes them an easy alternative to your usual blue denim. They’re so versatile, and I hope someone else gets plenty of wear out of them.

To learn more about the Kowtow Clothes Swap, head here.