St. Albert volunteers will be dressed to impress later this month as LoSeCa’s thrift store hosts a fabulous fashion show.
The LoSeCa Foundation hosts its second annual fashion show Aug. 28 in the basement of the St. Albert Parish Hall (7 Vital Ave.). The event aims to raise money for the foundation, which provides training and recreational opportunities for adults with disabilities in St. Albert.
Show organizer and LoSeCa I’m Unique Thrift Store volunteer manager Uta Pietsch said the show will see about 50 store volunteers and LoSeCa clients walk the runway clad in clothes sourced from the thrift store. The outfits will all be fall-themed, unlike last year’s spring-themed show, and have been assembled from donations to the thrift store.
“We have everything from Calvin Klein to Kirkland,” Pietsch said, referring to high-end and low-end fashion brands, as well as leather jackets, a hot-pink Agnes Orinda coat, and a black-and-fluorescent-green motorcycle outfit.
Pietsch said she is looking to match models with outfits. Guests at the show will get to bid on these outfits, many of which are brand new or vintage.
Store volunteer Richenia Ridgway was one of the many models returning for this year’s show. A thrifting enthusiast, she said she often finds vintage items from the 1940s-1960s at the store, and recently gave a restored 1970s clock to her daughter.
“I got the best hot pants here, authentic 1970s hot pants,” she said, as well as a fuzzy lamb’s coat similar to what her aunt used to wear.
Ridgway said she is not sure what she will wear at this year’s fashion show. Pietsch said she already has several outfits in mind for her, at least one of which featured a furry purplish coat.
Guests at the show can also participate in a silent auction and 50/50 draw, and, if they show up in a thrifted outfit, could win door prizes.
Pietsch encouraged guests to come out and support adults with disabilities.
“It’s hard to see what their disability is when they’re on the runway because they’re having a lot of fun.”
Tickets to the show are $25 and are available at the I’m Unique Thrift Store at 1-215 Carnegie Drive. About 150 spots are available. Call 780-460-1400 for details.
