Excitement is buzzing at Shop on Carroll as the team and volunteers gear up for the transformation of the store into a magical ‘‘wedding wonderland’’ for the upcoming Pre-loved Wedding Extravaganza later this month.
Co-managers Cristin Waite and Fiona Dodds are thrilled to be spearheading this event, scheduled for Saturday, September 28, from 10am to 5pm.
According to Ms. Waite, the Presbyterian Support Otago charity store at 169 Princes St boasts an extensive collection of pre-loved wedding-related clothing and accessories, including over 100 wedding dresses, veils, hats, suits, mother-of-the-bride outfits, jewelry, and more.
“We have a treasure trove of items that will truly transform the store into a wedding wonderland – everyone is eagerly anticipating the event,” Ms. Waite shared.
During the extravaganza, a wedding-themed fashion show will showcase around 20 pre-loved wedding dresses from 2pm to 3pm. MC Lois Scott and Otago Polytechnic fashion design program lead Margo Barton will provide commentary and offer suggestions for reviving these beautiful garments.
The Shop on Carroll team aims to not only offer affordable pre-loved items to support Presbyterian Support Otago’s community services but also to create a community space, Ms. Waite emphasized.
“We envision the store as a place for people to connect and unleash their creativity.”
In addition to the fashion show, the Pre-loved Wedding Extravaganza will feature a vintage candle-making workshop and a jewelry repair workshop, both requiring tickets for participation.
The event is part of Dunedin’s inaugural Slow Fashion September initiative, promoting the joys of re-wearing, mending, upcycling clothing, and making sustainable purchases.
Melanie Hardiman, Dunedin City Council waste minimization officer and Slow Fashion September coordinator, highlighted the project’s origins in mapping the city’s 33 pre-loved clothing stores, aiming to reduce textile waste sent to landfills annually.
In collaboration with Stitch Kitchen, the council has released the ‘‘Your Guide to Otepoti Dunedin’s Pre-loved Clothing Stores’’, available on the council website for updates every six months.
For more information, visit dunedin.govt.nz or contact BRENDA.HARWOOD @thestar.co.nz.
