Two local women on a mission to make pre-loved fashion stylish are preparing to host their first-ever clothing swap at Doubles in Melksham next month.
Meagan Powell and Gracie May, who share a love of thrifting, sustainable fashion and vintage treasures, recently created the Swap Society. They plan to hold a series of clothing swaps in independent spaces including coffee shops, farm shops, industrial warehouses and festivals.
Their first-ever clothes swap, which will be the official launch of the Swap Society, will be held in Melksham at Doubles at Avonside – a speciality coffee, pizza and vinyl space which opened last year.
“At its core, Swap Society is about making pre-loved fashion trendy and a talking point,” explained Meagan. “We believe that vintage finds, charity shop treasures and pre-owned pieces all tell a story and deserve a second chance. We are proving that sustainable, slow fashion doesn’t have to be boring – it can be edgy, on-trend and full of personality.
“By hosting swaps in independent venues, Swap Society supports local businesses and creates footfall in places that matter. Whether it’s a florist studio, pizza place or pop-up at a local festival, the event always brings something fresh to the town.”
The friends met at a charity shop in Westbury, where Gracie May is the store manager and Meagan, a marketing manager, is a regular customer.
Chats in between the rails and hangers of Dorothy House led to the friends discovering a shared passion for sustainable fashion and the pre-loved message.
Meagan said, “After attending a few clothing swaps together, we spotted a gap; why not make swap events trendier, more dynamic, and rooted in community and connection?”
Gracie grew up often wearing second-hand clothes and shopping in charity shops and jumble sales.
She began to see pre-loved fashion not only as a sustainable choice but also as a powerful way to express individuality.
Meagan’s love of second-hand fashion was sparked after moving from South Africa to the UK five years ago. She said, “Arriving with just one suitcase, I used charity shops to rebuild my wardrobe, connect with people, and feel at home in a new country.”
By launching the Swap Society, Gracie and Meagan – whose wardrobes are 98% pre-loved – are aiming to move away from the ‘fast fashion’ trap.
“We have lived in a world where it’s normal to buy 20 items in one online shopping spree,” says Meagan. “But now, we are flipping that narrative. We want people to know that shopping second-hand isn’t just affordable – it’s empowering.”
With their first-ever clothing swap being held in Melksham next month, they say the event will be a feel-good way for people to update their wardrobes.
“Not everyone can afford to shop ethically at high-end sustainable fashion labels. Swaps offer a low-cost piece without breaking the bank,” says Meagan.
“Only 15% of textiles are recycled worldwide, with the rest ending up in landfill or incineration.”
To learn more about Swap Society and take part in the movement, head to Doubles at Avonside on Saturday 10th May from 10am. There is a £5 cash entry on the door, and people can bring up to 20 quality clothing items to swap.
“For every item of clothing you bring, you will receive a token to swap in exchange for clothing,” explained Meagan.
