MODELS have been showing off the best of eco-fashion in Chippenham as Photographer, Kate Southall, 39,organised an eco-friendly wedding shoot.

This was to highlight the importance of second-hand dresses and being more sustainable. It was a collaboration between local businesses including a makeup artist, hairdresser and florist while using Oxfam dresses from the shop on The Bridge in the town.

The photoshoot took place at Church Farm on July 24, in Chippenham, which is also an eco-friendly venue.

Ms Southall said: “On the top floor, in Oxfam, there is a bridal boutique and there’s only about twelve around the country. The dresses are second-hand, but some have never been worn. A lot of people don’t even know the dresses are there.”

A local tradesperson provided up-cycled leather jackets to have a personal and unique item for the Bride. Ms Southall feels people increasingly want to keep things more local, as society is more conscious of environmental issues.

Oxfam is running a Second- hand September initiative to encourage people not to buy new clothes for the month. This is to raise awareness of the fast-fashion industry and the impact it is having on the planet.

Ms Southall said:“I’m trying to be more local with work. The shoot made me think twice and changed my perception of dresses. It opened my eyes that you can do it another way, you don’t have to spend thousands on a dress."

“Obviously for some people that is there dream but for others it’s a wasted expense.There is stigma that second-hand dresses aren’t any good. We still have a long way to go to change that”.