Tonight is the night. The coolest op-shop fashion parade is on, with Vinnies Vogue outfits styled by six local designers.
Six hundred Canberrans will be at Help from the Underground this evening in the carpark of 59 Wentworth Avenue to see the show and how funky op-shop clothing truly is. Local models, local hair and makeup artists will parade the best clothing the designers found when trawling through boxes, racks and baskets at Vinnie’s warehouse in Tuggeranong for garments, accessories and even props.
All fun aside, this is a serious charity event being sponsored by Clint Hutchinson who is sleeping it rough on 20 June, in the freezing cold, as part of the CEO Sleepout. Clint was the top fund raiser for the sleep out last year, raising $18,000 to donate to Vinnies. This year he’s hoping guests will dig deep and donate generously to www.helpfromtheunderground.com.au and help him double his target.
Help from the Underground is the biggest op-shop fashion parade around. Lighting and sound will be wow-factor, brought to the event by Elite Sound and Lighting. Production is by Screencraft, music by The Doppel Project and hip hop by Project Beats Dance Studio. And, to lend support to the event, a bunch of Canberra fashion bloggers, have got together and are running a pop-up opshop with many of their pre-loved vintage gems. Quality, hand-picked pieces will be for sale (cash only) starting at $10. Also cash only is cups of hot soup and mulled wine, available from the soup van being run by Public Manuka’s Bar—to keep you toasty warm.
You can donate onsite with cash or using one of the computers set up at the event. It’s easiest, though, to donate before you arrive on www.helpfromtheunderground.com.au
Clint thanks everyone for their support for this important cause. ‘Look at the weather today,’ Clint says. ‘It’s freezing cold, raining and windy. Would you want to live outside in these icy conditions, including sleeping it rough? We have to work together as a community to break the cycle of homelessness. It doesn’t have a place in affluent Canberra.’
Helpfromtheunderground starts at 6.30 for a 7.30 fashion show. Arrive close to start time since the underground carpark is still being set up for the event. First in, best dressed. Dress warm.
