UK charity shop, OxFam, is in the middle of a fundamental makeover. A collaboration with the London College of Fashion and the talent behind the relaunch of Top Shop is setting out to proof that luxury retail strategy is not limited to high-price merchandise.

The charity was taking its first steps towards a more fashion-conscious image: away from the slightly battered shoes and oversize floral skirts it’s known for and into the world of designer one-offs and couture accessories.

To celebrate the launch, seven British designers have made one-off pieces using clothes from the charity shop which will be auctioned on eBay from today. Giles Deacon’s offering is a bright orange and green 1950s-style dress made from a pair of curtains from an Oxfam in Dalston. Stephen Jones constructed a hat made from pillowcases printed with a map of London. — (Via The Guardian, UK)

The initiative involves designers tailoring the existing pieces in the new boutique stores, and selling them both in-store and on eBay. It is already being heralded as the antidote to ‘fast fashion’.