No, no, this is not a cousin of Kitty party or anything akin to it, but something totally different.
“ Swishing party” is the latest craze in the UK according to a BBC report. So, I think the information must be authentic. The cash-strapped ladies have invented this model and are going full steam at it. Knowing that buying new clothes is an expensive affair, they have found an alternative. Ladies normally don't wear out their clothes to death ? When they decide to part with them, they still have a lot of useful life left in them. At least, that's the time they should part company with their clothes. These attire should be in reasonably good shape and usuable. “So why not swap them? Both ways?” This is the principle behind swishing parties.
On an appointed day, in someone's home the participants get together for "swishing". Each one has to bring at least one clean, good quality but unwanted garment or accessory that she is proud to hand over. The accessory may include, belts, bags, hats and so on. All these are laid out or hung up on anything such as chairs, drying racks or ladders. After everyone has arrived and displayed their things and after a glass of wine or cocktail or whatever[which is expected to be provided by the Hostess}, the party begins.
At a secret minute, the hostess would blow the whistle or ring a bell. Presto. They, including the hostess, then make a beeline for the stuff. It's not necessary that you take one for one. You can take as many as you want to and could manage although you are expected to bring a minimum of one thing like it was your entry fee. Once you pick up the material, it is yours for keeps.
It's a good fun, isn't it? The only real rule is that everyone should enjoy themselves and avoid "scratching", "spitting" or "biting" or physically harming your colleague in some way during the grabbing process.
One South African lady, who is a new member of the group is all for swishing. “Why not recycle your dress and other things?” she had remarked. I know "recycling" is a wrong word but the South African really meant it. This is a kind of recycling without technically recycling the material.
Many organizers have sprung up in the home- market lately. It is not known if they charge for the wine and cocktails. Possibly they may flick one or two material on the quiet as "service charges" before the party actually begins.
All things considered, I think it is a damned good idea. Most of us have the habit of throwing away the old clothes, that are torn and mis-shaped, in the dust bins. The swishing party expects you to terminate their life a little before that final stage and bring them to the home-market. One should not consider them as using "used clothes" or "second hand" stuff. Never.. They are actually the "swished material." An honourable term indeed.
My friend living next door, has observed that if ladies in the UK resort to this kind of recycling, why not we in the less advanced countries? Yes, why not? You be the first organizer in your area. Put a notice board in front of your house “Swish party centre. Come one and come all”. A passerby is bound to ask, what it's all about? You tell her and ask her to pass the information on. And there your swishing party is born. Being poor nations, one cannot afford to provide free snacks or wine to some 20 odd ladies. So, you may charge a small entrance fee to meet your expenses.
I don't know why the men folk in the UK haven't fallen for the idea. They should and save on their budget.
Long live "swishing parties" !
