The Sustainable Closet — Curated by HAYVN in Darien

TOPIC: The Sustainable Closet — Curated by HAYVN in Darien

Curated by HAYVN | Led by Melora Johnson of Sustainably Styled by Melora
and Featuring Valerie Jana Smith, Founder of Locals Closet

About Event

The Sustainable Closet is an interactive, conversation-driven experience designed to help guests rethink how they shop, wear, and care for their clothes. Rather than encouraging more consumption, this event centers on editing with intention—showing how a well-curated wardrobe can support both personal style and sustainability.

Led by sustainable stylist Melora Johnson of Sustainably Styled by Melora and featuring Valerie Jana Smith of Locals Closet, the discussion blends practical wardrobe strategy with a broader lens on circular fashion, local designers, and mindful consumption.

What Guests Will Experience

An approachable, insightful exploration of how to build a closet that reflects both who you are and what you value.

Locals Closet will present a curated selection of pieces from Hudson Valley, New York–based designers and pieces sourced from Local Clothing Swaps.

Key themes include:

• Buying less—but buying better
• Understanding cost-per-wear and longevity
• Editing what you already own before acquiring more
• Identifying versatile “workhorse” pieces
• Letting go responsibly through resale or donation
• Shop from local designers and artisans
• Discover new local brands by visiting your local farmers and artisan markets

Cost:

• General Admission: $15
• HAYVN Members: Free with code on members portal. For help accessing members portal please email questions@hayvn.com

ABOUT OUR SPEAKERS:

Melora Johnson of Sustainably Styled by Melora
and Valerie Jana Smith, Founder of Locals Closet

Valerie Jana Smith is the founder of Locals Closet, a circular fashion marketplace and creative studio rooted in storytelling, sustainability, and community. She invites people to shop locally, wear artisanal clothes, and always ask how things are made. Through curated events, installations, and brand partnerships, Locals Closet brings value-led designers, rare vintage, and one-of-one pieces into new markets—circulating clothing, building meaningful local connections, and supporting independent makers stepping into higher-level retail through content, storytelling, and experiential activations.

QUESTIONS? Contact questions@hayvn.com

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WANT TO SEE MORE? View our full calendar of events

LEARN MORE about HAYVN’s Sustainability and Social Impact group.