Darien – Sustainability meets fashion for an “undiscovered” urban treasure.
The Darin Community Association is hosting a sustainable designer fashion show Sept. 14 to promote eco-friendly shopping.
All outfits are pulled directly from the DCA Thrift Shop, featuring a mix of classic brands like Burberry and Valentino with contemporary designers like Rag & Bone and Paige.
Although the DCA Thrift Shop has been around for almost 90 years, DCA Secretary Sue Kunze thinks the show will open up an “unknown treasure in the city” to a wider audience.
“The DCA Thrift Shop is a great place to try (thrift) because there are so many amazing things,” she said. “A fashion show in particular would be a good introduction for any newcomer.”
Kunze, who is normally responsible for overseeing the boutique section of the store, is part of the behind-the-scenes styling team that designs 25 to 35 pieces of Fall/Winter clothing.
The airport offers a variety of styles for all ages and genders, featuring local models associated with DCA.
All items presented during the show – clothes, shoes and accessories – can be purchased after the event, along with many more items.
With prices starting as low as $20, Kunze said, the retail price will cover a few thousand dollars on select high-end luxury items like a cashmere Celine coat.
Attendees at the event will be entered for a door prize of a Jimmy Choo handbag. For those unable to attend, tickets for a separate Designer Bag Fate are available at the DCA Thrift Shop.
Consumers have become a popular source for buying high-end products at affordable prices without contributing to fashion’s growing environmental impact.
Fashion production is responsible for between 2 and 8 percent of global carbon emissions, according to the United Nations, with most clothes eventually being incinerated or thrown in landfills.
“If you can buy beautiful things without doing any damage to the environment, that’s what you should do,” Kunze said.
All proceeds go to DCA, supporting local scholarships and other philanthropic efforts.
The fashion show begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Darien Community Association, half an hour before the wine reception. Tickets are available for purchase through September 13 on the DCA website for $25.
