The second edition of the Eco Elegance sustainable fashion show, put on by Big Brothers Big Sisters Central Vancouver Island, is happening on Saturday, April 5 at the Nanaimo Museum starting at 7:00 p.m. (Submitted)

By Jordan Davidson

thrifty style

Eco Elegance sustainable fashion show returns to mid-Island

Apr 4, 2025 | 11:16 AM

NANAIMO — A fashion show promoting sustainable clothing practices is back on the mid-Island for its second year.

The Eco Elegance Fashion Show, hosted by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Vancouver Island (BBBSCVI) happens on Saturday, April 5 at the Nanaimo Museum (100 Museum Way), starting at 7 p.m.

Communications manager at BBBSCVI Kimberly Jackson said the clothing is being provided through their community-donated thrift store, with the fashion show getting more attention this year.

“We have some sponsors of clothing brands that are sustainable, Canadian, locally manufactured as well…Tentree has sponsored multiple outfits this year, and there’s a local brand called Genskee, and she is a Nanaimo brand, it’s a woman-owned business. All of her manufacturing is done locally between here and Vancouver.”

Staff members and volunteers put together the used clothing into fresh, new outfits for models to show off on the runway.

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Attendees will 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. (Submitted)

All funds raised will be used for the BBBSCVI child and youth mentoring programs, with over $10,000 raised last year through raffles and the live auction of the outfits, happening again this year.

Jackson said the younger demographics are really into sustainable shopping and reducing waste for all items including outfits for prom, but that trend is growing.

“I also find that it is becoming a bigger trend amongst all of the demographics. Our main demographic that’s shopping our store is women, but we have more men coming, and all ages now.”

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

“The best way is to buy a ticket and come on Saturday, and if you’re not able to attend on Saturday we have the option on our ticketing page to also sponsor an outfit,” said Jackson. “So if you contribute $100, your name does go on as a sponsor of that particular outfit on the runway.”

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