It’s a car boot sale, but not as you know it. Think less early starts out the front of a primary school, and more polished concrete floors of the Selfridges car park. On Saturday May 16, the Oxford Street department store will host its #SheInspiresMe car boot sale for the tenth year – and there are some absolute bargains to be found on pre-loved designer fashion.
Dame Helen Mirren, Sophie Turner and Elizabeth Debicki are among the ambassadors. London designer, retailer and creative director Alex Eagle founded the event and drives the curation, bringing together donations from high-profile industry names to raise money for Women for Women International, a charity that helps women and girls living in areas affected by conflict.
“It’s joyful, it’s community-driven, and it proves that fashion can be a force for good,” Eagle tells Broadsheet. Since starting the event in 2016, it’s grown a high-profile network; this year, pieces will be donated by the likes of Alice Temperley, Noor Fares, Laura Jackson and Jasmine Hemsley.
“I always love seeing what Charlotte Tilbury brings,” says Eagle. “People come for the fashion and thrill of finding something amazing at an incredible price”.
Discounts of up to 75 per cent off are expected at the event, on labels including Jimmy Choo, Coach, Toteme and Rixo. And in addition to donations from industry figures, the department store’s Reselfridges resale platform will also be there in collaboration, selling a mix of vintage, pre-loved, past-season and new designer fashion, alongside beauty from leading brands.
All proceeds, including ticket sales, will go directly to Women for Women International, a humanitarian organisation providing practical support to female survivors of war. To date, the event has raised over £2.2 million for the charity. As Eagle puts it: “With a rollback of rights, and reduced global support, it’s crucial that we don’t look away.”
The #SheInspiresMe Car Boot Sale will be held on the fifth and sixth floors of the Selfridges car park on Saturday May 16. Tickets are on sale now.
