“This event has inspired me to go thrift shopping again.” – Gisele (Fashion Stylist)
Catwalk Opshop Collection, a charity fundraiser event run by Rotary of Elizabeth Quay strived to meet three main objectives. These were to create awareness for an incredible cause, promote op-shopping and to bring the community together. On all three points, the event was an overwhelming success, raising approximately $3,600 for AYLA Inc.
Video by REQ member Dean Fuller
The sold-out event brought together 100 people from all over Perth to the AYLA Dion Marketplace opshop in Cockburn. Who are AYLA you may ask? AYLA, which stands for Assisting Your Life to Achieve, is a not-for-profit organisation with the vision to change minds and change lives. They succeed in doing this by providing a growing number of services including emergency food support, a low cost marketplace, mental health support, emergency housing and education programs. AYLA was brought to life by co-founders Scott and David in 2010; two tenacious entrepreneurs whose kindness and love for the community saw them give up their day jobs for a life helping people in need. This passion and core values are close to our heart and has led to a strong partnership with Rotary Elizabeth Quay, resulting in events like the Block: Backyard Blitz and most recently, the Catwalk Opshop Collection.
“[AYLA] relies on the community, so without the community…we wouldn’t be able to do this. So thank you so much to the community and also Elizabeth Quay Rotary for this event tonight” – Scott (co-founder of AYLA)
Canapes and drinks of arrival, abundant raffle prizes and a magical atmosphere
Photos by REQ member Ingrid Kjelling, click the banner to see more
Even before the clock ticked over 5pm, guests started rolling in. From the moment you step into the AYLA Dion Marketplace, a colourful, open environment full of life greets you. After registering and scanning in through the SafeWA app, they were ushered into the colourful alfresco area where they were served canapés provided by AYLA’s Patience café, Hospitality Cert Students from Kent St Senior High School and generous donations from the community. The bar was open on arrival and it was not long before the party had well and truly started. After some time mingling, trying their fortune at the raffle and lucky dip while enjoying the atmosphere, the guests were then welcome to enter into the AYLA opshop warehouse to explore and of course – shop!
As you walk in, there is an instant feeling of belonging at AYLA, as it brings together a café, food marketplace, hair salon, vibrant nursery and of course, a jam packed op-shop filled with donations and the incredible creations from Nellies Nook, an in-house creative initiative. It was not long before the marketplace was filled with people from the community, most of which had never had the chance to come down to the facilities before. The buzz of energy and excitement was contagious as everyone mingled around the opshop finding gems to take home.
“I love it how Op Shops bring people together. You might not be someone who is a big talker, but when you are in an op shop you seem to always end up having a conversation with someone you don’t know, it’s amazing” – Ella
Curated outfits that just scream Flawless Confidence, by Gisele Haba from Vinte Refined.
Photos by REQ member Ingrid Kjelling, click the banner to see more
After some initial shopping, it was time for the first catwalk show. The crowd gathered around the stage, as we were introduced to the first stylist – Gisele Haba from Vint Refined. Gisele’s passion for fashion and strong personal style shaped the bold and vivacious show. The crowd had their eyes peeled as they applauded each outfit that stepped onto the runway. Styled by Gisele, each outfit was created from clothing purchased from op shops and was available for sale in the night at a bargain price of $60 for the full outfit.
After the first catwalk show, the shopping continued and the line at the checkout grew as guests were finding more treasure whilst being serenaded by live music from project team member Jess Indrawirawan. More food and drinks were enjoyed and it was not long before the second runway show was called.
Salt of the Earth outfits for everyday comfort and style, by Jessica Solkowski from Soul of Aquarius
Photos by REQ member Ingrid Kjelling, click the banner to see more
The show was topped with a statement piece dress made of recycled plastic bags woven by the women from Bandyup.
The second show featured outfits put together by stylist Jessica Solkowski from Soul of Aquarius (aka Aquarius Clothes). Jessica’s passion for sustainable fashion was clear in the catwalk show as each outfit was carefully curated from handpicked opshop clothing. As each model showcased the outfits, the audience cheered and commented to each other as they pictured themselves or a loved one taking one (or more) of the outfits home.
The two fashion shows proved that opshops are a place where creativity and personal style can come to life. Not only can you purchase outfits for a fraction of the price that you would pay in a retail store, you are also playing a part in sustainable fashion, contributing to the community, reducing waste and helping the environment.
“I draw my inspiration from opshops” – Jessica (Stylist and creator of Soul of Aquarius)
Click the button to the left to download a handy Styling Guide kindly provided to the event by Rebecca Carbone at Create Your Masterpiece
The night concluded with the raffle where lucky winners took home prizes such as bags of jewellery, food and beverage vouchers and a massive 1.5L bottle of wine – all of which were donating by the community.
Rotary Elizabeth Quay in partnership with AYLA Inc. are so grateful for everyone who attended, volunteered and donated to make the Catwalk Opshop Collection a success. The generosity and kindness of the community continues to inspire and energise the work we do. We appreciate everyone’s kind feedback and hope that this event has inspired you to continue to make a difference.
The key volunteer organisers (just to name a few) behind this spectacular event. Pictured; Melissa Dor, Dean Fuller, Jessica Indrawirawan, Vivian Hatiras, Chloe Leopold, Giverny Rogers, Ingrid Kjelling, Scott Johnson, David Metliss, Nick Lim, Jessica Solkowski, Gisele Haba
Photos by REQ member Ingrid Kjelling, click the banner to see more
We give our most heartfelt thanks to the volunteers who pulled this event together and to our sponsors: Secret Garden Cafe, Sittella, Como Liquor Store, Globe Coffee House & Restaurant, South Perth, The Style Counsellor, BEYA Model Academy and the Perth Social Club
By Suanlee Heng