They say third time's the charm, and fingers crossed that's the case for Trove Canberra's upcoming Slow Fashion Parade.
The event was originally scheduled for a year ago, and then again at the end of the year, but as with most things in 2020, COVID-19 had other plans.
But Trove Canberra is all geared up for the third shot at things, combining the event with a celebration of not only the store's second birthday, but also the resilience, determination and persistence of the Dickson community.
As the name suggests, the event will focus on slow fashion, encouraging Canberrans to have a look at their wardrobes and own shopping habits to help create a more sustainable fashion industry.
"I think Canberra is still learning when it comes to slow fashion for sure," Trove Canberra secretary and the designer behind fashion label Dissonance, Annette Clarke says.
"I feel there are some people that do think about slow fashion - they consider their choices when they buy. Some people don't and it's a very consumer-driven industry.
"If the consumer isn't demanding this product - a trend-based, fast fashion product - then the companies don't have any reason to make that. There's this infinite cycle, which we have to try to break along the way somewhere.
"But it's just everybody making conscious decisions throughout their buying process."
Clarke has been passionate about slow fashion since studying fashion design.
Since then it has been the driving force behind everything she has done with her career.
"It's been ingrained in me that you have to think about where your products come from, where your fabrics come from, what ethical fashion is," Clarke says.
"But it's nice to now carry over into a practice of a business.
"It's about making fabric choices and trying to use, natural fibres that are more sustainable for the environment. And then exploring different ways of pattern making, which is really nice when you do that, because then you create different shapes."
The parade itself will showcase designs from local labels Dissonance, Upstyled Threads and Wombat and Poss. Dickson business KaransKloset will also show a range of fashion, as well as some Trove Canberra jewellery and accessory designers.
KaransKloset will also be running a How to Make Your Wardrobe Work for You workshop after the parade to show people how they can better utilise the items already existing in their closets.
The event will include a fashion illustration class run by Canberra artist Jennifer Baird, which will be suitable for ages 10 and up.
"We're trying to make it a family-friendly event. We want the mums to come and they probably won't come if they didn't have something for the kids to do," Clarke says.
"We also are showcasing some kids fashion. We've got a couple of labels that show that do kids stuff as well so there will be kids on the runway."
Trove Canberra's Slow Fashion Parade will be on May 16 from 2pm to 4pm in Dickson Place. To register go to Eventbrite.
