Every year when my relatives depart for their annual trip to South America, I hand over some of my once treasured clothes, and they kindly stop by an orphanage there to deliver them. It’s a good feeling, knowing that I’m helping those less privileged than me – and knowing that they’ll be so stylishly dressed!

We can all do our bit - even if it is just popping into the nearest Oxfam store with a few unwanted belongings - and the forthcoming Fashion Amnesty is the perfect opportunity.

This very practical event encourages visitors to bring along their unwanted garments to be resold or recycled by Oxfam. You could call it a triple threat in tackling poverty and injustice: M&S, Oxfam, and the London Fashion Weekend joining forces to draw the right crowds in what has been dubbed The M&S and Oxfam Clothes Exchange.

Events like this need great time planning to sky rocket, but London Fashion Weekend will soon host such an ambitious occasion from 20th – 24th February in the hope of highlighting the excessive amount of clothing waste we dump each year.

If you donate an M&S-labelled garment you will receive a £5.00 M&S voucher to spend on your next purchase of £35.00 (or more) on in-store clothing, homeware, or beauty products.

Marketing Manager for LFW’end, Beckie Crane, stated: “Visitors are being encouraged to donate at least one unwanted item of clothing, or shoes, handbags, belts, hats, scarves, or gloves. Manned Fashion Amnesty recycling stations will be situated at the front of the event when people first enter”.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to purchase designer wear at discounted prices, from luxury labels such as Ben de Lisi, DAKS, Juicy Couture, and Paul & Joe. The perks don’t stop there though as LFW’end has organised additional pampering experiences for the expected crowds, including a blow-dry at the Toni & Guy Blow Out Bar, an Elizabeth Arden make-over, a St. Tropez tan, and a manicure at the Revlon & Superdrug Nail Bar. Who wouldn’t want to attend?

So it’s really a win-win situation: visitors can watch catwalk shows, shop, and pamper themselves for free; whilst donated clothes will help any of the 70 developing countries currently trying to combat unfair trade rules, and assist in raising money to provide tools, seeds, support women’s rights, and tackle AIDS and HIV.

However this campaign doesn’t just stand for the duration of LFW’end. It’s an ongoing issue that we should all be very aware of. Think of all the garments at the back of your wardrobe that barely see the light of day. Wouldn’t they be better off clothing someone who really needs them?

By Marleny Centellas-Venegas/MOLI

Tickets for London Fashion Weekend can be purchased from their website or by calling the ticket hotline on 0871 230 1558.