A formal wear buy, swap and sell event is set to transform the wardrobes of senior students in the Upper Clutha.

Organiser Susan Allison said the event is about avoiding buying into the fast fashion industry and reducing carbon footprints by not buying from overseas.

“We can encourage up-cycling and redesigning or altering dresses,” Susan said.

The idea for the event came about just a few weeks ago, inspired by a formal dress donation Susan read about on social media.

“Someone had purchased several formal dresses to give to girls in their local community, and it got me thinking," she said.

The swap not only includes formal dresses, but suits, shoes and jewellery as well, Susan said.

“The event will be a great way to save money. It’s important to challenge the normality of having to spend lots of money on a formal outfit.”

And with the Mount Aspiring College (MAC) formal for senior students (Years 12 and 13) taking place in August, the swap will give students a chance to buy and modify any items ahead of time.

“This is the first event to get things started,” Susan said, “and we hope people won’t feel the pressure to buy new in future as they will have a chance to check this out in plenty of time.”

She hopes it will become a six monthly event so students can also find outfits for the end of year MAC prize giving.

The event is sponsored by Wanaka Wastebusters, who gave the organisers the pick of formal wear from the Reuse Store, as well as a $50 voucher for a raffle prize.

Kind volunteers, including the MAC formal committee, have put themselves forward to help, event co-organiser Sarah Millwater said.

The event will feature a local DJ, The Juke DJ; beauty from Daisy By Elysa of Lake Hāwea; and three dressmakers who will be on hand to consult about alterations.

The swap will also support Gumboot Friday (which funds free counselling for young people without needing a GP referral). 

“Raffle prizes have been generously donated by local businesses,” Sarah said.

The swap will take place this Sunday (June 13) in the Armstrong Room of the Lake Wānaka Centre.

PHOTO: Wanaka App