A week-long sustainable fashion event will be launching in Dorchester.

ReThink Fashion Dorchester is being launched next Monday to coincide with International Earth Day and Fashion Revolution Week.

The programme includes an array of workshops where you can learn to ‘decorate your denim’, ‘customise your clothing’, or ‘make the most out of your make-up bag’.

The fashion industry produces 150 million garments a year and 87% (40 million tons) ends up in landfill or an incinerator. Only 1 per cent of all discarded clothing is recycled.

During the week there will be a pop-up shop in Brewery Square where members of the public can bring up to 10 items to swap for new outfits.

Colour Me Beautiful personal stylist, Pauline Bishop, will be on hand most of the week giving free colour and style advice demonstrating that “style and sustainability are not mutually exclusive”.

A sustainable fashion show will take place at Dorset Museum on Thursday, April 27 with a panel of experts, followed by a catwalk finale.

Tickets cost £5 which includes a drink and nibbles, a limited number of free tickets are available for under 18s and people on a low income.

Emma Scott said: “We’re really excited about the Fashion Show which will take place in the beautiful Victorian Hall.

“We also have an outstanding group of panellists who will be talking about their own work in relation to sustainable fashion, and there will be several rails of amazing second hand and upcycled clothes to buy as well as some inspiring books.”

Rethink Fashion Dorchester is being organised by Dorchester Town Council, The Repair Café Dorchester, Upkeep Sewing and Pauline Bishop’s ‘My True Colours’ and is sponsored by Dorchester Youth Council, Dorchester Town Council, the Repair Café, Dorset Museum and Brewery Square.

Emma Teasdale, from the repair café said: “We have been bowled over by the number of amazing workshop offers we have had come forward, there really is something in the programme for everyone.

“We are also thrilled with the support we have had from people volunteering, for instance, to help out in the shop.

“This is a true community effort and it’s great to know how many fast fashion-conscious people there are locally.”

For more information about all the events see the ReThink Fashion Dorchester Facebook page.