Giving Back Is A Good Look: The Empty Shop Antwerp Reopens

I’m not much for hyperbole (I am, I really am though) but I still believe one small act of goodness can change the entire world. And that change can sometimes start with getting rid of those designer boots you once bought in a treat-yo’self craze, the ones that relentlessly pinch your pinky toes like your auntie does your cheeks on Christmas (and she’s not really even blood-related, come to think of it). But how does that tie into changing the world?

The Empty Shop Antwerp stems from a global concept and operates on a local level, gathering pre-worn designer clothing donations in order to sell them for a social cause. The pop-up store space starts each day completely empty so it can be filled up with donated clothes which are sold throughout the day, resulting in a freshly empty store by closing time. This year the profits will go towards job experience creation for refugee women and men.

Last year’s inaugural edition in Antwerp saw multiple brands, designers and celebrities donate side by side with anyone who had a designer piece to spare, raising 25K for a local charity. Even the Antwerp Fashion Department students donated custom scarves for the project. This year’s edition will feature special donation dates with afternoon tea, concerts and late night openings. New updates will be steadily released here.

Walter Van Beirendonck visiting The Empty Shop 2015 — *Walter Van Beirendonck visiting The Empty Shop 2015*

If you’d like to find out more about the project’s origins and motivations, check out the KNOTORYUS interview with one of the Empty Shop organisers below, originally published in the Antwerp Fashion Department’s 2016 “Mirror Mirror On The Wall” magazine (which I’m still not over).

(Graphic design: Paul Boudens) — *(Graphic design: Paul Boudens)*

Individuals wishing to donate can do so in-store at the address below from December 9th until the 18th and if you’re looking to shop, you can drop by during the same time. Brands or companies wishing to donate a part of their stock items can also contribute in-store (09/12 – 18/12) or contact donate@emptyshop.be to arrange a pick-up.

THE EMPTY SHOP ANTWERP
09/12/2016 – 18/12/2016
Open daily from 10 AM – 6 PM

Pulcinella Jeugdherberg
Bogaardeplein 1
2000 Antwerp

www.emptyshop.be

Images: The Empty Shop, Frank Vyncke & Jan Marchand