Frockery Eco-Fashion Challenge 2015: winners announced!
"Why buy new?"
Our fifth #frockerychallenge has ended and our judges have had the most unenviable task of trying to pick the prize winners from a record breaking number, and amazingly eco-stylish, array of entries.
Chief judge Janice Stewart, owner of Tweed’ll Dee By Notions of Brechin and a previous challenge winner; the absolutely fabulous Patsy A, a former model who graced magazine covers in the 60s and 70s; and, last but not least, our very own Kirstin Frocker, all admitted to tearing their hair out over the final decision, which we are now delighted to announce.
Cue drum roll....
This year's winning slot is a 'first equal' as the judges couldn't separate Breagha Cuinn and Onnagh Cuinn, who they all felt brought a sense of fun and quirkiness to the competition, as well as demonstrating some strongly 'street chic' eco-stylish credentials. They can put their heads together to choose frockery to the value of £100 from our catalogue (and we'll expect photographic evidence!)
Here's a small selection of their head turning outfits posted throughout the month.
Breagha: Second hand vintage sequin top, handmade furry skirt, charity shop tights 50p and handmade bow
Onnagh: Swallow dress from charity shop
Breagha: Charity shop dress £6, second hand pin striped blazer, charity shop tie, second hand tights
Onnagh: Brocade top £5 from a charity shop. Pin striped mini skirt £4 from a charity shop
Breagha: Chartiy shop sequin dress; second hand faux fur mini cape and glasses; hand made pom pom head band and vintage cat pad lock choker
Our runner-up, who is invited to choose frockery to the value of £50 from our catalogue, is Douglas Johnston, a superbly stylish young man who wowed us all with some dramatic costumes, including hand made Jedi robes! There was no going back once he had been entered by A.N. Other (possibly his mum?) in this dashing ensemble.
Zara suit from a St Andrews charity shop, around a tenner; vintage silk scarf his mum would have paid £1 for in a charity shop at some point
Here, Douglas cleverly combined third generation vintage with second hand to create a unique look with a proudly Scottish flavour and 'attitude'.
Kilt 3rd generation handed down through family; boots, waistcoat, shirt, bowtie- all second hand; velvet jacket - charity shop £1.99
Congratulations to our winners and please contact us to claim your prizes.
The fact that we had so many entries this year, all of such an exceptional standard, made it harder than ever for our judging panel. A big thank you goes to Janice, Patsy and Kirstin, as well as to all those who entered into the spirit of the challenge by posting their fabulous outfits and fostering a real sense of camaraderie among group members. [Note to Pat Jones: we're still waiting for that onesie pic!]
Looking at the stylish combinations of vintage, preloved and hand made clothes and accessories on display, it's clear that second hand is most definitely not second best, and we salute every one of our entrants for flying the eco-fashion flag and celebrating slow fashion with such passion. As Anne commented during the challenge, "I love the feeling of anticipation you get as you walk into a charity shop", a sentiment with which we can all identify, and some of our flea market finds and 'car booty captures' have been truly awesome. Let's keep spreading the message: "Why buy new when it's more fashionable, frugal and eco-friendly to go retro?"
See you all next February, we hope, for a full 29 days of leap year eco-frocking! Meanwhile, please stay tuned to our Facebook group for exclusive offers, giveaways and other one-off events that we hope to run during the year.