The temporary project, titled Unstitched: Local Fashion Revolution space, was launched in George St yesterday by Dunedin eco fashion hub Just Atelier.
Hub co-founder Fiona Jenkin said the project was about creating solutions to pollution, waste and poverty by raising awareness about clothing creation.
‘‘As a community, we can make a positive difference by making, mending and being creative.''
The pop-up space was a collaboration between the fashion hub and local gap-filling brokerage Urban Dream.
The space would be open to the public for a week, offering sewing, crochet, personal style and cross-stitch workshops for a gold coin donation, she said.
The project was part of a global campaign by ethical fashion company Fashion Revolution to mark Fashion Revolution Week.
The organisation was formed in response to the collapse of a Bangladeshi clothing factory complex in 2013 which killed more than 1000 people.
Speaking at the opening of the space, Mayor Dave Cull said textile waste was a significant contributor to the Green Island landfill.
‘‘Textile waste management measures will contribute to the council's vision of Dunedin as a waste-free community.''
While Dunedin was already a leader of the New Zealand fashion industry, more education about upcycling and ethical purchasing would benefit everyone, he said.
Project co-founder Fi Clements said the space was available for all members of the public to learn how to lessen the burden on a world ‘‘smothered by textiles''.