Spring Clothing Swap and Workshops

Transformation – Clothes, Stories, New Meanings

The Institute of Art and Design Theory at Budapest Metropolitan University organises the Spring Clothing Swap and Workshops as part of Fashion Revolution Week.

The central theme of the event is Transformation. We explore how clothing shapes our identities, emotions, and everyday lives. How do garments carry memories and stories? And how can a single piece gain new meaning in someone else’s life?

The aim of the clothing swap is to give pre-loved items in good condition a new cycle of use. Instead of shopping, the focus is on sharing, reuse, and community-based thinking.

METU’s Photography programme joins the event by artistically documenting moments of transformation. Throughout the afternoon, workshops and discussions explore the intersections of fashion, identity, and sustainability.

Detailed Program 

13:00–16:00 Clothing Swap 

During the clothing swap, garments enter a new cycle of use. Participants can browse through each other’s clothing, refreshing their wardrobes through sharing and reuse rather than purchasing. In this way, garments continue their journey not only as objects but also as carriers of stories and memories, contributing to more conscious and sustainable clothing consumption. 

Roundtable Discussion 

14:00–14:45 – Transformation in Fashion and Identity 

A roundtable discussion with fashion journalist and expert Bence Csalár exploring how transformation shapes fashion, identity, and sustainability. 

Photo Corner 

Students will capture moments of transformation during the event. Their works will later be presented in a photo exhibition. 

Anti-Fashion – Photo Exhibition 

An exhibition featuring works by students of the METU Photography program, open to visitors throughout the day. 

Workshops 

Open continuously between 13:00–16:00 

The workshops focus on transformation, reuse, and sustainable thinking, demonstrating how existing objects, textiles, and waste materials can gain new functions, meanings, or forms. 

Sewing Workshop – Mask Making 

Participants can create their own masks from textiles as a way to express identity and creativity. The finished masks can be photographed in the photo corner, visually capturing the theme of transformation. 

Sewing Workshop – Laundry Bags and Decorative Objects 

Using leftover or defective textiles, participants can create decorative objects and laundry bags based on pre-prepared patterns. Guidance and assistance will be provided throughout the workshop. 

Fashion Revolution Hungary Workshop 

A workshop organized as part of Fashion Revolution Week, highlighting the social and environmental impacts of the fashion industry. 

RE:KICKS – Sneaker & Bag Customization Workshop 

Give your old shoes or bags a new style and transform them into unique pieces using creative techniques. You can choose from items available on site or bring a favorite piece from home that you would like to give a new life. 

Spring Planting Workshop 

Plants will be planted in broken mugs and tin cans, which participants can decorate according to their taste. 

All workshops are free of charge and do not require prior registration. 

Participation is on a first-come, first-served basis, depending on venue capacity. 

Practical Information

1. Please bring clean garments, jewellery, or accessories in good condition.
2. Women’s, men’s, and children’s clothing are all welcome.
3. Hand in your items at the entrance, then browse freely among the displayed pieces.
4. Damaged items can also be brought for workshop use (please hand them in separately).
5. You may bring and take as many items as you wish, but please aim for balance.
6. Remaining garments are donated to the Hungarian Red Cross – Budapest Chapter. Toy donations are also welcome.
7. Partisan Coffee remains open throughout the event.

For inquiries: ruhacsere.sel@gmail.com

The event is free and open to everyone.

Facebook event: https://fb.me/e/9QMDvgKG9