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Desi Clothing Swap & Sewing Circle

  • The Banyan Tree @ Vik's Chaat 2390 Fourth St Berkeley, CA (map)

Transform your wardrobe!

Bring clothes you're ready to part with and discover new treasures from our community's closets. But this isn't just any clothing swap - we're reimagining what it means to wear our culture in today's world.

What to Expect:

  • Clothing swap with South Asian and other cultural pieces from community members

  • On-the-spot tailoring to alter your finds for the perfect fit

  • Fabric transformation station where you can work with skilled tailors to turn old saris, lehengas, and fabrics into modern pieces that work for your daily life

  • Sewing circle to learn basic alterations and mending techniques

  • Story sharing about the clothes we wear - from family heirlooms to thrift store finds

What to Bring:

  • Clean clothes in good condition that you're ready to swap

  • Any old South Asian fabrics, saris, or traditional clothing you'd like to transform

  • An open mind about mixing traditional and contemporary styles

All Five Banyan Tree Experiences:

  1. Hear a Story - Community members share the stories behind their clothing and cultural dress

  2. Connect Present to Past - Learn about the history of South Asian textiles and how clothing reflects migration, economics, and identity

  3. Try Something Hands-On - Sew, alter, and design alongside experienced tailors

  4. Build Our Village - Connect with others over shared style dilemmas and fashion discoveries

  5. Share Food - Chai and snacks to fuel your creativity

Walk away with a refreshed wardrobe that honors your roots while fitting your life today!

Open to all - bring friends from any background who appreciate beautiful clothing and cultural exchange.

Next
Next
August 17

Rememberance Festival: 1947 Partition Archive