A Michael Kors eyelet dress and Calvin Klein shoes from Big Deals Boutique is one of the outfits which will be on display during the first-ever Eco Elegance event, happening at Superior Farms in Lantzville on June 8. (Submitted)

By Jordan Davidson

sustainable fashion

Sustainable fashion show for a good cause to hit runway in Lantzville

Jun 1, 2024 | 5:54 AM

LANTZVILLE — There’s a special fashion show fundraiser coming to the mid-Island for those who enjoy thrift shopping and giving a previously-owned outfit new life.

Big Brother Big Sister of Central Vancouver Island (BBBSCVI) is hosting the Eco Elegance Fundraiser on the evening of Saturday, June 8 in Lantzville, offering bargain hunters chances to bid on thrifted clothing items redesigned into fresh fashions.

Communications manager at BBBSCVI Kimberly Jackson said they’ll feature clothing sourced out through local thrift stores or local businesses, resulting in refreshed, sustainable garments.

“We’re featuring all of that sustainable eco-fashion at our event. The reason why that is our theme is we have a social enterprise thrift store, and we will be featuring a lot of the fashion from our thrift store, which also supports our child and youth mentoring programs.”

The June 8 event from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. at Superior Farms at 7995 Superior Rd. includes a raffle with over $10,000 worth of goods to be won.

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Clothing created by a sustainable clothing designer featured in the fashion show, with a Balmain skirt, Burberry coat from Big Deals Boutique, and the top by Worthy Clothiers. (Submitted)

Guests at the event will be treated to a fashion show with over 20 pre-owned outfits ready for the runway, modelled by a few regular customers, local community members and at least one member of staff.

Outfits come in a wide variety of sizes, designers, and brand names organized in the categories of “work”, “spring”, and “evening” wear.

From there they’ll be able to live bid on the complete outfits which also includes jewelry and other accessories from their sustainable fashion Big Deals Boutique in Nanaimo on Northfield Rd.

Jackson said this eco-fashion show was a bit of a “natural progression” for them, as they work to raise awareness about sustainable practices through buying things second-hand.

“As our store gets busier and busier, it’s a great opportunity for us to feature our store and create awareness around that which has the ripple effect for our programs here in more funding to just be able to provide more opportunities for the kids that we support.”

Tickets to the event are available on the BBBSCVI website, or at the agency’s office at 2030 Northfield Rd.

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jordan@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @JordanDHeyNOW