Although it sounds paradoxical, buying clothes without spending a penny is possible in the capital: the Maravillas Neighborhood Association will organize Malasaña Social Fashion Trading, an ephemeral market where visitors can exchange clothes brought from home for others, as long as they are new or in very good condition, to ensure that the barter is equitable.
The flea market will be held in the Plaza del Dos de Mayo (Malasaña) on Saturday, December 21, from 10:00 to 14:00 hours. Yes, four days before the official start of the Christmas holidays. It is presented as the ideal plan to renew the closet in an economical and sustainable way (or to find a good New Year’s Eve look, you never know).
How does bartering work?
The people in charge of the flea market will score the garments according to their size and design. The smallest and most basic – blouses, T-shirts, scarves and accessories – will receive one point. The medium and versatile ones – skirts, pants and shoes – will receive two points. The highest marks will go to party dresses, coats, boots and, in general, large items of above-average quality.
Once the garments have been scored, the exchange begins. The rules of the game are simple: for each garment we have contributed, we will receive one of the same kind. For example, if we bring a T-shirt to the flea market for the exchange, we will receive an item with the same score (such as a light blouse).
The sorting of garments will last one hour: from 10:00 to 11:00 am. As soon as this process is finished, participants will start receiving garments according to the contribution they have made.
This initiative aims to soften the impact of the textile industry, one of the most polluting industries on the planet. Promoting sustainability and environmental awareness is essential to encourage responsible consumption, which is increasingly necessary in the fashion world.