Five Melbourne branches of the St Vincent de Paul Society network of charity shops teamed up to put on a parade at Footscray's Bluestone Hall. The event showcased outfits sourced from their donation bins, styled and modelled by volunteers.
Empowerment and creativity on the runway
Yenny Gonzels, modelling for the second time at the Vinnies fashion showcase, said she feels 'empowered and sexy'. The event brought together Vinnies shops and volunteers from Footscray, Newport, Moonee Ponds, Ascot Vale and Hoppers Crossing, accompanied by a sausage sizzle.
All the outfits featured on the runway came directly from Vinnies stores. Volunteers Lily Gerardi and Russia Newman served as the show's creative directors.
Volunteer models share their excitement
'I am excited,' volunteer model Elena Hogan said. 'It's a fun opportunity to just do this in a playful context and meet lots of people and everyone looks really cool.' Backstage, a model adjusted a cravat before taking to the runway.
Neil Harvey, the general manager of retail at Vinnies Victoria, said it's 'fantastic' to see how creatively people make use of pre-loved fashion. 'Each year the Vinnies fashion show gets bigger and better. The fashion parade is a reminder that small moments add up to real impact,' he said.
Affordable style and confidence
'I am wearing some florals with this fluoro fluffy jacket and some brown loafers,' model Jake Roach said. 'I feel very fierce, and I feel confident, comfortable, relaxed.' Models took to the runway in a variety of outfits.
'I would say my outfit costs a total of $25,' model Jacob Hammer said. 'I like to rock femme as well as masculine.' After the show, models took a break outside, celebrating the successful event.
