Photo: DLDC

Circular Dress Collaborative – empowering women in style!

By Donegal Woman • 6 days ago

Nov
2024

A new sustainable fashion hub is making pre-loved shopping the latest trend!

Circular Dress Collaborative, located on the Thorn Road in Letterkenny, is redefining the way we shop, one pre-loved piece at a time.

Some true gems have passed through the doors since it opened in August – from Prada bags, Chanel shoes, vintage wedding dresses and more.

Founded by Sheila Clancy O’Donnell, a New York Fashion Designer turned Retail Manager in Ireland, this innovative centre blends consignment sales, educational programs, and clothing alterations.

The warehouse proudly features thousands of carefully curated, pre-loved and unworn garments donated by the women of Donegal and neighbouring counties, all aimed at combating climate change.

Circular Dress Collaborative

The Circular Dress Collaborative is built on five guiding principles: Resale, Repair, Repurpose, Rebuild, and Remember – which may have contributed to their nomination for Best Sustainable Practice by the DLDC just two short months after opening.

Circular Dress Collaborative, one of the finalists in the ‘Best Sustainable Practice’ category of the Community Recognition Awards, sponsored by ATU Donegal. Photo: DLDC

This initiative has successfully empowered local women to generate income by selling items they have either worn once or never had the opportunity to wear, while also promoting savings through Circular shopping.

The buyer also benefits, as they can wear the clothing, clean it, and resell it again. Wedding, Communion, Day & Evening, Prom and Fancy Dress are just a few categories housed along with an array of complimentary accessories.

Sheila says: “Our motto is “Buy it, Wear it, Clean it, Resell it.” We also invite women to bring in an item for consignment after making a purchase themselves. The focus is on keeping high-quality branded clothing and accessories in circulation, rather than contributing to landfill waste. We encourage everyone to visit our space and discover circular shopping from a fresh perspective.”

Also, for the month of November, customers can drop in 1 item a week to consign. Item must be in season (winter/Christmas wear) cleaned, pressed and hung.

The hub is also offering courses in sewing, crochet and knitting.