LADIES, welcome to the world of swishing... a fashion soiree with a difference.

Swishing is for eco-conscious fashionistas and their cash-strapped sisters who want to keep their wardrobes looking chic in the recession.

The popularity of the concept soared after '60's supermodel Twiggy set up her own version on TV.

Here's how it works: Each woman brings at least five items of chic but unloved clothing or fashion accessories to the party.

Then they go on the prowl to see what's on offer.

When a klaxon sounds, the swish is declared open and they grab anything they want. To take away forever, for free. No one gripes about the token swish charge/donation for charity.

I was roped in by my wife the other night to attend a swishing and I watched with amazement from the sidelines.

No one gave a hoot about my presence, not even my wife. They were far too busy eyeing each other's frocks, shoes, necklaces and handbags.

The dictionary meaning of swishing is 'to rustle, as silk', but Futerra, a green company that reportedly coined the term, has redefined it as 'to rustle clothes from friends'.

It was squealing, giggling, glamorous chaos, with all the free clothes, jewellery, shoes, handbags, gossip, wine and fun with friends and strangers.

Swishing is also seriously heavy stuff and novices are warned: It's every woman for herself.

There is even a chance of hair-pulling, face-scratching catfights.

Picture this: Two women refusing to surrender a Prada handbag, each insisting she saw it first.

One excitable lady fell over in the scrum and I swear I saw one woman head-butt another.

Gosh, as the wife said later, Tupperware and Avon parties were never like this.

But mind you, swishing is sophisticated. And from London to New York to Sydney, people are creating their own unique brand of swishing fun.

Who would have dreamt that it would be possible for women to swap clothes with complete strangers, have a few glasses of wine and a bloody good time in the process?

This is recycling that has become glam.

The Swishing Party concept came from a desire to give women who love both shopping and the environment the thrill of retail therapy without the guilt that comes from spending too much.

Even charity and fund-raising organisations are jumping on the wagon.

It's not rocket science, but if you think about it, wherever there are women, there is the potential for swishing.

Every woman, take it from me, has something in her wardrobe that she just doesn't wear. Yet, she will always say, 'I haven't a thing to wear'.

That night, my wife left with a Gap outfit, two Gucci bags, a Hermes scarf, and a huge smile.

And, you know what, it didn't cost me a cent.

• The writer is a former Singaporean marketing professional

This article was first published in The New Paper on Dec 11, 2008.