These are experienced shoppers and stylists. Rebecca Fox watches as a group from Otago Polytechnic's fashion school go op-shopping.
One might think of "op'' shops as just a place to source fancy-dress outfits but Margo Barton wants to change that perception.
The Otago Polytechnic professor in fashion at the School of Design is on a mission to show stylish, eclectic and even designer outfits can be found in Dunedin's op shops.
Her goal is to put together eight women's outfits and two men's ensembles fit for the catwalk.
"We're looking for contemporary-looking outfits, although we might use retro things. The aim is for them not to cost much but be stylish, warm and individual.''
They will be shown as part of a fashion fundraiser for Otago Community Hospice during awareness week, May 16-22, Darnell16 featuring international couture from the world-renowned Darnell Collection, curated by Charlotte Smith.
Dr Barton got together a group of like-minded colleagues, Joan Leach, Tania Allan-Ross, Tracy Kennedy and Rekha Shailaj, for a tour of Dunedin's hospice shops in search of the perfect outfits.
The group immediately hit the racks of Mosgiel's Hospice Shop, going through each, oohing and ahhing over surprise finds: the spike-heeled two-tone boots, a sheer blouse, a pair of unworn label pants.
Ask them to put an outfit together and there is much discussion: this scarf or that, these gold heels or boots, this necklace or that?
The shop's manager and volunteers and members of the public watched in awe when in a matter of minutes the group had dressed a mannequin from top to toe, all for $60 ($30 of which was the shoes).
In the end the gold-toned heels won out along with the blue metallic jacket, spotted blouse and patterned pants. Accessories were not missed: a gold belt, knitted hat and paisley scarf completed the outfit.
"It's how you put it together. It doesn't have to be a designer label,'' Ms Kennedy said.
At the end of the hour Dr Barton had allocated for the first of the hospice shops, the group had filled two suitcases with clothes and accessories they would mix and match with finds from the city's other hospice stores.
Dr Barton is a regular visitor to op shops and has made some great finds over the years.
A colleague's's discovery of a pair of gold Vivienne Westwood shoes with hearts on them is a great example of the surprising finds that can be made.
The shoes ended up in Dr Barton's wardrobe as they did not fit their finder and were worn at many of the ID fashion events this year.
"I was the Cinderella [who] managed to fit them.''
Recently her staff at the polytechnic did an "op shop hop'' as part of their professional development. Dr Barton found a lovely grey jacket to add to her winter wardrobe.
"I think that most people may not realise the stylish opportunities for dressing that await at the hospice shops.''
Op shopping can be a way of creating a wardrobe that is not only fashion forward but combines wearable uses of op shop finds, which are sustainable - economically and environmentally - and have individual flair, she says.
The opportunity to change perceptions as well as support a cause she had personal experience with was important.
Her father Reg Barton recently died in the care of the hospice team.
"We were amazed with the fantastic care at hospice. It is a fantastic facility. We're lucky to have them here.''
The hospice's op shops are an important part of its fundraising initiatives as it has to raise $1.8 million to bridge the shortfall in government funding. It costs $5 million to run the hospice every year but it only receives $3.2 million from the government through a contract with the Southern District Health Board.
"The shops started out as a way for us to utilise donations of goods from the community who would gift the hospice whole house lots of items when a member of their family had died,'' Otago Community Hospice chief executive, Ginny Green said.
Its shop in George St had been a big hit with all shoppers, not just for vintage/retro goods, but also because experienced shop managers, Lesley Porter and Barbara Guile know the market well and ensure the shop has a great selection of good quality clothing, household items and novelty items.
"Now the shops' annual profit has exceeded half a million and the stores contribute more than a third of the funds required for us to continue to provide our range of services to the community.''
The hospice still needs to raise $1.8m before the end of its financial year on June 30, she said.
"We need your support, to enable us to continue to deliver a free service to provide care for people of any age with any life-limiting condition.''
Top tips
Fashion team's tips for op shopping. -
- Look for quality fabrics and natural fibres
- Vintage pieces are unique
- Try it on and look in full length mirror
- Buy only if it fits you
- Be familiar with quality labels
- Accessories are fun and can add colour
- Try out different pattern and colour combinations
Fashion show: Darnell16, Golden Centre Mall, in aid of the Otago Community Hospice, May 19, 6.30pm