Putting a new spin on fashion

Locals are being encouraged to take a fresh look at their wardrobes, with a new workshop series showing how creativity can go a long way when it comes to clothing.

Fashion Your Way – Seeing Possibilities launches at The Blue Door in October, with local fashion designer Tess Landon-Lane leading four practical workshops designed to change the way people think about what they wear, buy and throw away.

Supported by Space Create, a Marlborough District Council initiative, the series will explore how colour, fit, styling, simple alterations and smarter purchasing choices can transform existing wardrobes without the need to constantly buy new items.

“Fashion isn’t about having more clothes,” Tess says. “It’s about understanding what works for you, making the most of what you already have and seeing the potential in clothing that might otherwise be overlooked.”

Each three-hour session will combine demonstrations, interactive activities and styling challenges, with participants able to experiment with second-hand garments inside The Blue Door’s Blenheim store.

The four sessions will cover different aspects of sustainable style, beginning with colour, fit, proportion and personal style on Tuesday, 6 October. The following weeks will focus on creating multiple outfits from existing clothing, refreshing and repairing garments, and understanding fabrics and the wider fashion industry.

The workshops are open to everyone, including young people interested in fashion, individuality and second-hand clothing, and no sewing experience is required.

Sessions run from 5pm to 8pm on Tuesdays, 6, 13, 20 and 27 October. They are free, although a gold coin donation is appreciated.

Places are limited and bookings are essential. Participants can register for individual workshops or the full series at thebluedoor.nz.