MODELS will ‘step out’ on the catwalk wearing the most stylish recycled outfits next Friday for St Vincent de Paul’s inaugural Mount Gambier Fashion Parade.
In conjunction with the Lions Club of Gambier City, the inaugural Vinnies Mount Gambier Fashion Parade will showcase several second-hand outfits styled by Tenison Woods College students and community members.
Shop manager Denise Rogers said the recycled fashion parade was the first the store had launched.
“There has always been a lot of talk about wanting to hold one,” she said.
“There will be outfits of all shapes and sizes catering for men, women and children as well as maybe a bridal party contingent and some formal designs.
“It will be like any other fashion parade people would attend.”
Ms Rogers said the models would style their own outfits.
“I want them to feel comfortable in themselves and don’t want them to feel as if they must wear something they don’t want to,” she said.
“We will create a head-to-toe outfit styled in Vinnies store garments and when the outfit is read out to the crowd, the brand, style and price will be specified.
“We are hoping the parade will go for around an hour and with each model styling around four or five different outfits.”
Ms Rogers said the event would showcase what opportunity shops had to offer and encourage shoppers to visit thrift stores.
“We have a large variety of things which people may not realise – including clothing, furniture, manchester, jewellery and basically anything you can think of,” she said.
“I think op shopping is trending at the moment and most customers are not here because they cannot afford to buy clothes.
“People are looking for quality items at a reasonable price and some are even here to resell online or are collectors.”
Ms Rogers, who has worked in store for eight years, said she was blown away with how many people shop at op shops.
“I originally thought it was a place with little old ladies behind the counter and not many customers coming through the doors,” she said.
“I thought you would have had time to rummage around the shop yourself as a staff member.
“It was not like what I thought it would be at all.”
Lions Club of Gambier City president Jan Hellyer said all money raised on the night would be donated towards the Vinnies Mount Gambier store.
“All the money will stay in the region and will be helping the community,” she said.
“With Christmas approaching fast we believe this will kick-start those who need it most during the festive season.”
The event will be held at the Mount Gambier RSL District Bowling Club next Friday, with doors open from 7pm for a 7.30pm start.
Tickets are available on the night with a lucky door prize and raffle also to be held.
