Belfast Fashion Week S/S 2013 at Ikea - Fashion Swap!

As part of the West Coast Cooler FashionWeek in Belfast, Ikea teamed up with Belfast FashionWeek to create a free fashion event. The 'Swop For Your Life' event was on Thursday the 29th of March in Ikea, Holywood (306 Airport Road West, Belfast). The event itself, was held in a separate area near the restaurant in Ikea. Hosting the event was local model and fashion blogger, Laurina Kennedy. Her 'Fashion Fasting' Blog inspired Ikea to join with Belfast Fashion Week to create this event.

The concept of the event was to leave in items you wished to swap, and choose from other items other people had left in to swap.You either left your items in on-the-day at Ikea in the designated area - or at the FashionWeek Headquarters on the 3rd Floor (21 Talbot Street, Belfast). I think the majority of people were like myself, and left them in on-the-day.

I love the idea of a fashion swap - like I've said before, some of the best things I've purchased have already been previously owned and used. I had an idea of what it was going to be like - women tend to go a bit mad when there's sales on (for example); so in a fashion swap there would be even less time for casual browsing if you wanted a real nice piece.

True enough, it was like that. Before the event started girls were on their tip toes trying to sneak a peak at what was on offer and to spot what other girls were bringing to the swap when handing them in. Of course I was doing the same. Ha. I literally parked myself next to the entrance to get a good view of what was going on - and to be at the start of the queue to get in. Much like the Secret Sales Advert on television...

Secret Sales Advert

I got some real good swaps - a few dresses, a jacket and a coat, among other items. They were all in great condition and I am happy with what I got in return for the items which I swapped. It was the quickest I've ever picked up items. A clever title for the event - 'Swop For Your Life'.

There was a good crowd and a real buzz of activity at the event. The wine, juice and nibbles were a lovely complimentary touch to the event!

Another nice touch to the event was the complimentary goodie bags, which Ikea had nicely donated some scented candles which we could bring home in a lovely bag.

I think there could have been some improvements to the event - from my personal experience. There should have been a cut-off time for handing in clothes for the swap. Many girls brought clothes from 6pm onwards, so the staff had more to do while the event had already started and was busy. In addition to this, the 'Traffic Light System' wasn't implemented fully. This system was in place to make the swap fair for all swappers - an item of the same value and quality, to be swapped with a similar. It was a good idea, but it wasn't enforced.

I still really like the concept of a fashion swap - it's a good way to Spring clean your wardrobe and get some lovely pieces in return. It's also a great way to meet new people and have a laugh over a common interest. I'd like if there was menswear included, as menswear is usually overlooked. Which is a shame.

All the ballot proceeds from the event went to Diabetes UK in Northern Ireland. The lucky winner got a £100 Ruedi Maguire Studio Voucher for a bespoke piece with this Northern Irish Designer. Ruedi also was featured in the local designers of Belfast FashionWeek, where he showcased a number of dresses.

A big thanks to all who organised the event and came - and to Ikea!