Article Written By: Ophelia Mancey
Brighton’s sense of community is paramount to the fabric (no pun intended) of the city. This magic glues people together, a sensibility which makes residents here in particular look outward to the people around them, instead of inward. This attitude is adopted by Gladrags, a costume resource charity situated in Moulsecoomb. It was also founded by a woman, and many leadership roles are taken up by women. The charity offers personalised service dedicated to customers exploring imaginative play for people of all backgrounds. The place itself is a labyrinth of over 7,000 costumes; huge, tall racks stuffed to the brim from ancient world to insects.
I came to know about Gladrags through my ‘Exploring Community Engagement and Volunteering’ module offered through the Sussex Student’s Union (second years - I couldn’t recommend it enough). Purely doing academic reading can be a tad draining, so I thought I’d do something practical and to pop it on my CV. What I came to be a part of is a source of wellbeing for so many - whether it was the elderly who were sewing and repairing clothes or the community projects in local primary schools where children imagined what they could be in the future. What I found was happiness, comfort, and immense knowledge about the craft that goes into clothes which a lot of us take for granted.
As a charity, Gladrags accepts donations in large quantities and nothing is dismissed. A gaping hole in the crotch? Can be sewn up. Missing button? There are probably already 3 spares somewhere. In the midst of a more globally conscious, sustainable and aware consumer base, the charity’s ‘repair not buy’ attitude slots perfectly into this ethos. They also sell garments and jewellery which has history and has been cared for. The way they treat their garments, clothes, etc reflects their attitude towards the care they put back into the community.
The power of transformation is something found through costume, clothes, as well as drag. I’ve found that these expressions can be rebellious, but always involve a sense of fantasy - a change from the everyday and a chance to really live your best life - real or imaginary. Very Valentina in Rupaul’s Drag Race All Stars 4. Luckily even if you’re broke - as we all are - they offer up to 80% discounts specifically for non-for-profit organisations, fuelling creativity and the arts.
Pop in for a visit - you won’t regret it.
Article Written By: Ophelia Mancey
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