Swap meets gone modern

by Ellen Slattery
Mar 4th 2008 @ 9:00AM

Filed under: Fashion, Shopping Guide

Swap meets are officially cool again. As the green revolution catches on amongst the young, fabulous and hipster, peeps are mobilizing in tons of cities to swap 'til they drop. Don't believe me? Observe:

• Swap-o-rama-rama (quite possibly the world's best name for a swap meet) was started in 2005 by crafty diva Wendy Tremayne. Since then, the swapping has gained momentum as dozens of additional Rama-Ramas have popped up in a handful of countries. But the events are more than just exchanging old ratty t-shirts. After they swap, attendees are encouraged to alter their newfound duds at a series of DIY workshops (embroidering, sewing, beading, repairing, etc.) To complete the transformation, "re-brand" your item with a free patch and then don your wears for a quick spin on the catwalk. (On the catwalk, yeah, on the catwalk...) Check out some upcoming events near you. None in your neck of the woods? No need to pout...be a savvy swapper and find out how to start your own!
  

• Swap-O-Rama Razzmatazz is the UK's answer to avant garde swapping. Now held at club Favela Chic in the Shoreditch neighborhood, Londoners can pop in once a month for some dancing and swapping. But this ain't for the faint of heart: each time the horn sounds, you must either swap with the person next to you or scram - no bystanders allowed. The next event date is March 20, and you'd better arrive ready to party.

For more info, check out the SwapDex blog, or search for events at Swap-bot.