Quick trivia question: When did the first pop-up shop open? 2010? 2002? The answer, amazingly, is 1914, when the British Red Cross opened a temporary “gift house” to raise money for its efforts in World War I. Now, to commemorate the shop’s 100th anniversary, the organization has opened another one in London’s Covent Garden market that will remain open until Nov.
17.Unlike the original, it doesn’t offer Egyptian tapestries, Great Danes, or Persian kittens, but does house items donated by Giles Deacon, milliner extraordinaire Philip Treacy, Orla Kiely, and Erdem from their past and current collections—and prices start at $15. “I have been involved with the British Red Cross for a few years now,” Deacon says, by “donating pieces to their pop-up charity boutiques and helping to support their life-saving work.”
The pop-up also purveys Stella McCartney accessories, including the gray purse pictured above, gently used clothes that Sienna Miller donated from her personal wardrobe (such as a Stella McCartney trench coat), and a selection of vintage items (like an Yves Saint Laurent cape going for $450).
The charity hopes the example set by the designers will encourage people to contribute to their local Red Cross charity shop. Donate to the British Red Cross here and the American Red Cross here.