Imagine walking into a formal store where you can find a one-of-a-kind outfit with the help of a professional stylist, and everything is free!
That’s what students preparing for their formals this year in Canberra have available to them on 10 and 11 October, from 10am to 3pm at Lion’s Youth Haven, Kambah Pool Road, Kambah, thanks to Operation Formal Wear.
Now in its fourth year, Operation Formal Wear, an initiative of Lake Tuggeranong Lions Club, collects quality used formal wear from the Canberra Community and hosts a series of try-on events for school students graduating Year 10 and 12.
The students leave these events with a free formal outfit.
This year’s event organiser is professional stylist Lauren Bush.
Ms Bush heard about the event last year, offered to loan some of her clothing racks and soon found herself volunteering.
Ms Bush said that she is delighted to be involved as the initiative ticks so many boxes for her and the community.
“I’ve worked as a stylist in film and television for 20 years and have also just completed a diploma in sustainable living,” she said.
“I was looking for a project where I could use my skills … that were fashion and costume focused and also around sustainability.”
Last year’s event provided 276 formal outfits to Canberra students.
Ms Bush said that while some were looking for a more sustainable way to source their outfits, “others would have been unable to afford a suitable one”.
According to Yvette Rydman, President of Lake Tuggeranong Lions Club, the financial savings to students and their families are significant.
“Last year we saved students an estimated $140,000 on formalwear and accessories,” she said.
This also means less clothing sent to landfill.
This year’s drive kicked off on Sunday 20 September thanks to support from St John Paul College II in Gungahlin at a North Side Pop Up Event.
“Around 100 students came through the door,” said Ms Bush.
Prior to the final event weekend of 10-11 October, there will also be an opportunity for students who struggle to shop in noisy, busy stores due to sensory needs or access requirements.
These students are invited to make individual shopping appointments for Friday 9 October via a link here.
Shopping without having to worry about a price tag also frees people to choose clothing that represents the way they want to express themselves, said Ms Bush.
“You can walk in and choose what lights you up, rather than worrying about what you can afford,” she said.
“People can also experiment with their style a bit more, they are just thinking, ‘is it beautiful? Do I love it? Do I feel good in it?’ And connect with what brings them joy and happiness rather than what they can afford.”
If you are wondering about the quality of the donated formal wear, Ms Bush said there is no need to worry.
“The stuff that Canberrans have donated is incredible,” she said.
“It’s an amazing collection of even fashion history with things from the 1950’s all the way up to now.
“Some are brand new with tags still on, have been worn only once… and lots of early Y2K, 2000s period, that kids are really loving at the moment.
“Everything that is coming in is very lightly worn and quite good quality.”
If all that isn’t enough to convince students to check out the Operation Formal Wear collection, Ms Bush said there is one more thing to consider, especially when it comes to dresses.
“If you come and get your dress from us, there is a very, very high chance that nobody else is going to be wearing the same dress as you.”
Make-up and accessories have not been forgotten either, said Ms Bush.
“This year, we’ve had a beautiful donation of unopened make-up and nail polish from Revlon,” she said.
Ms Bush said that she loves being involved in Operation Formal Wearand the pop-up events.
“It’s really lovely seeing the kids find a diamond,” she said.
“It’s such a fun day to be involved with.”
More information can be found via the Operation Formal Wear Facebook group.
