By Community Correspondent Richard Sharp

“The latest craze sweeping the country is ethical, eco-fabulous, social and fun. Welcome to the future of fashion." (Jess Cartner-Morley, Marie Claire Magazine).

Swishing is a relatively new idea and a great way to swap fashion items with friends and acquaintances. Everyone taking part donates at least one item and is then free to choose something of interest from what others have offered. Value does not come into the equation; swappers do not necessarily get an item of equal value but are free to choose anything that others are offering, without having to pay.

The word swishing is derived from the dictionary definition of 'to rustle, as silk' - which in the eyes of the swishing team means 'to rustle from friends. It all began when Lucy Shea, founder of green PR firm Futerra and her work colleagues wanted to come up with a way to combine a love of retail shopping, without contributing to increased consumption.

Why not give it a try? Hampton Hill based charity African Revival is hosting a ‘Come Swishing Party’ at Harry’s Wine Bar on Twickenham Green on Saturday 12th June to raise funds for their humanitarian work in Uganda and Zambia. Organiser Kim Dean said, “Swishing is a “win, win” for everyone involved in a swish. The ladies in attendance walk away feeling great knowing they’ve done their part to reduce the amount of clothing that goes into landfills every year, contributed to a great charity and walked away with a few like new fabulous frocks!”

The party is from 3pm to 5.30pm, admission £10 per person which includes free mini pamper sessions, a fashion workshop and nibbles. Contact Kim Dean at kimwdean@googlemail.com or call African Revival on (020) 8939 3190 if you would like to come to our swishing party to support education, school building and infrastructure projects in Uganda and Zambia: www.africanrevival.org

“Save money, save the planet, have a party: swishing effortlessly touches all of these buttons. Swishing parties are for all those women who want to combine glamour, environmental protection and frugality." Lucy Shea, founder of Swishing and director of Futerra Sustainability Communications.