LOCAL clothing will be the focus of a ground-breaking event this month.

Defashion Dorset will highlight environmental and sustainability issues facing the fashion industry, as well as showcasing a raft of local producers and clothing innovators.

The first of its kind in Dorset, the event runs on May 26 and 27 at Hawkers Farm, Stour Provost, and aims to promote local fibre growers and makers, showing how it is possible to move away from fast fashion to a ‘local clothing culture’.

“We consider ‘food miles’, so why not ‘fashion miles’? To ‘defashion’ is to combat the fashion industry’s role in the climate crisis and transition to regenerative and fair clothing systems (Fashion Act Now),” a spokesperson said.

“In Dorset, there are farms producing fibre from sheep (Tamarisk Farm) and alpacas (Snooks Farm) and in the New Forest, mohair.

“Rampisham Hill Mill processes fleece and fibre as well as local spinners and weavers (Jo Nash Textiles, Tabby & Tweed) and makers (Blue.Barn Life, She Sews on the Seashore, Townhill Studio, Honnor & Queen and Ampthill Farm) who can be seen at Defashion Dorset.

“There will also be haberdashery, vintage clothes and natural fibre second hand clothes (Joanna Jenkins, Vintage Maid and Second to None).”

Defashion Dorset runs on May 26 and 27

Running alongside will be a full programme of workshops, talks, demonstrations, discussions and drop-in mending classes.

Rachel Worth, professor of history of dress and fashion at Bournemouth Arts University, will appear as well as Elizabeth Keach, on Regenerative Fashion, Defining Philosophy & Practice and Sara Arnold, founder of Fashion Act Now, in panel discussions and Q&As on both days.

“Repair, rewear, redesign, visible mend, patch, upcycle, borrow, and thrift will all play a part in keeping garments out of landfill and we will be teaching some of these skills during the event,” the spokesperson added.

“According to the World Economic Forum, the second-hand clothing market is predicted to increase by 185% in the next 10 years, whereas fast fashion is predicted to grow by 20%, which is just as well as there are currently enough garments in the world to clothe the next six generations.”

Home made cakes and refreshments will be on offer, as well as food from Syrian Cuisine of Gillingham.

For ticket and programme details, log on to www.hawkersfarm.org, or call Jenny Morisetti on 07801 240103.