Last night, DC Style Factory had the pleasure of attending Goodwill’s annual Fashion of Goodwill Runway Show and Gala. This year’s “Let’s Get to Work” event featured a runway full of drool-worthy items available for auction on Ebay following the show.
“We have a much larger pop-up shop this year and people will rave about what they see on the runway,” said Karen Wathen, blogger for DC Goodwill Fashionista, which provides “savvy and entertaining” insight on vintage and contemporary style with a unique focus on budget-conscious, eco-friendly fashion.
Pre-show, we perused a large pop-up shop of budget-friendly vintage finds and hung with two our favorite style bloggers, the two Alisons of Wardrobe Oxgyen and DC Celine. N’jeri scored a red bowler hat for $4 (can’t wait to see how she styles this statement piece!) and missed the boat on this faux fur beauty (she was still kicking herself this morning).
The event’s glitz and glam had plenty of heart to boot. Goodwill of Greater Washington CEO Catherine Meloy spoke about this year event theme, “Let’s Get To Work,” and how it fully encompasses the mission of the organization. Following her speech, graduates of the Goodwill and Marriott Marquis Training Program — now employed by Marriott Marquis - surrounded Meloy and walked the runway into the crowd of attendees. You could not NOT be moved by what the event was really about .
And then… the runway show. Initially I was a little confused by the parade of models strutting the runway in french maid, cowboy, police, etc. outfits (the Let’s Get to Work theme literally). The music and energy of the show and models was so infectious, though, I found myself bopping in my seat and just getting into the fun of it all. Soon, models started emerging in looks styled from Goodwill finds. And boy were they some true finds. We are not accustomed to associating Goodwill with fashion, but this event definitely changed our minds.
“After coming last year I said I had to come this year because the fashion show gives you a new perspective on what you see from Goodwill,” said Alison Gary of Wardrobe Oxygen.
We couldn’t agree more and we look forward to next year’s event!