Fast fashion and ultra-fast fashion in particular are becoming more and more of an issue.

Just One Thing (JOT) Waitaki founder Ruth Davison says 180,000 tonnes of textiles are thrown away in New Zealand every year. 

“Because we are literally wearing something for a few wears and then chucking it in the bin. Environmentally, it's very bad, it's not breaking down.” 

JOT is hosting its third Slow Fashion event for locals next Thursday (11 September), to raise awareness and provide education.

Ruth is excited about the event, which will be held at The Business Hive from 5.30pm to 7pm. 

“This will hopefully cement what we've tried to do before, and it's all about showing how we can practically keep clothes in circulation for longer because there's a massive issue with textile waste. 

“Natural fibres are one of the things we really want to get across. That's the real focus, as much natural fibre as possible, because it does break down, but also it often lasts longer.”

On the night, attendees can expect to see practical demonstrations of mending, repairing and repurposing. 

Along with a free clothes swap, vintage and thrifted clothes stalls will be selling curated pieces in line with showcasing slow fashion items.

Operators of two local opportunity shops will be there to sell their clothes and tell the story of where the money they raise goes. 

“When we go and buy the absolutely wonderful things that they have, we are keeping it in circulation, but that money also goes to the good cause that they are promoting,” Ruth says.

It’s not just women's clothing; there will be men's clothing as well.

“Normally it is more women, but everybody is welcome and just come and play and have fun and just see the demonstrations. There was a real buzz last year, being involved.

“There will be a little bit of what the issues are, but most of it, we are focusing on the solutions because that's really important.”

This year's event sees the addition of natural beauty demonstrations. 

Radka Balcarova, “a wonderful addition to our community”, will be demonstrating how to make soaps, lip balms, and shaving bars.

A trademark of a true fashion event, the night ends with a catwalk, compered by Blayde Forbes.

Information will be available for those wanting to learn more about what they can do with textile waste or how they can embrace an identity of slow fashion.

“I think that's really what Just One Thing is all about. 

“It's showing the community what's possible, one thing at a time, no judgment, wherever we are. 

“I'm the worst darner in the world, but I'm proud if I actually do something, if I mend something, because I'm keeping it going for a little while, keeping it in rotation.

“Nobody has to be perfect. It's all about just learning from each other. Progress, not perfection.”

The event is free, with a koha for the clothes swap and of course, donations are always welcome.

Good-quality, clean clothing can be dropped off in person to Zara or Tanya at The Business Hive between 8.30am and 5pm, this week (1 September to 5 September).