Compassion Fashion: Giving New Life to Couture — and New Hope to Children in Need

Since opening its doors on October 1, and launching full operations on October 15, Compassion Fashion has captured the imagination of Sweden’s fashion lovers, celebrities, and media. The concept is simple yet powerful: exclusive gala outfits donated from around the world are rented out at a fraction of their value — and all proceeds support children and families in need.

In just a short time, Compassion Fashion has dressed guests for some of Sweden’s most prestigious events: the Nobel festivities, a gala attended by Princess Madeleine, a private dinner featuring Queen Silvia, and even the 80th anniversary celebration of the daily newspaper Dagen. The very first client was a well-known Swedish actress celebrating her 40th birthday.

Local media have taken notice too.

Länstidningen Södertälje highlighted how the boutique gives glamorous gowns “a second chance” while helping vulnerable children, noting the wide range of donated dresses and suits arriving from Milan, Beirut, Los Angeles, Cannes and beyond 

The newspaper’s front page described Compassion Fashion as combining “aesthetics and human rights,” showing how the project turns unused luxury clothing into humanitarian support 

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Mitt i Södermalm reported on the shop’s early success — with several outfits already reserved for the Nobel festivities — and on how many dresses donated to the boutique had been worn only once before being forgotten in a wardrobe. Now they are restored, rented out, and transformed into assistance for single parents in need across Sweden 

Built entirely on donated couture and volunteer work, Compassion Fashion is more than a boutique — it is a fundraiser and a creative response to both fashion waste and rising social need. Alongside providing beautiful outfits, the project also offers training opportunities for young people, newcomers, and the long-term unemployed.

“Our goal is to let these dresses shine again — and to let that shine reach families who need it most,” says ADFA founder Nuri Kino.

Compassion Fashion is open on Folkungagatan 65 in Södermalm, in the Swedish capital Stockholm, as a pop-up through at least February 28, 2026. Visitors can rent a unique gown or tuxedo for the price of a dry cleaning — and in doing so, help change a child’s life.