A FORCE FOR GOOD

Fashion Forward unveils new studio

"What started as a small project to rescue and recycle our unwanted clothes has now given me a sense of purpose and a community project that I am so proud of."

From left: Nicole Katz, Sharon Aaron, Rabbi Mendel Kastel.
From left: Nicole Katz, Sharon Aaron, Rabbi Mendel Kastel.

Co-founders of Fashion Forward Nicole Katz and Sharon Aaron unveiled a brand-new studio in Bondi Beach last week, marking a significant milestone in their journey to empower women and children.

Founded in 2020, Fashion Forward is a social enterprise that finds new homes for designer wear, saving clothes from landfill with 100 per cent of proceeds going to Jewish House.

The founders said the event was a “dazzling success”, drawing a diverse crowd of supporters, volunteers and customers who gathered to support those in need and celebrate the organisation’s achievement.

Fashion Forward ambassador Kathryn Eisman gave a warm welcome to guests and shared her passion for the organisation’s mission, reflecting on the importance of fashion as a tool for self-expression and confidence-building.

CEO of Jewish House Rabbi Mendel Kastel spoke about the significant impact that Fashion Forward has had on the lives of women and children in need, a testament to the power of collective action and the community.

The “Shop’n’Sip” experience allowed guests to enjoy a selection of wines and finger food as they mingled and shopped.

The evening was also a visual feast as attendees were treated to a mural recently painted by graphic designer and artist Emma Bagliani, adorning one of the studio walls.

Fashion Forward extended its gratitude to Public Hospitality for their donation of the new studio, thanking them for their support which has played an integral role in marking the organisation’s next steps.

Fashion Forward has raised $250,000 for Jewish House since its inception and aims to raise another $180,000 this financial year.

“I can’t believe what we have built and what a difference we are making,” Katz, who co-founded the initiative with Aaron in 2020, said.

“What started as a small project to rescue and recycle our unwanted clothes has now given me a sense of purpose and a community project that I am so proud of.”

“What puts a smile on my face each day is that the clothes we are collecting and selling have been sitting in someone’s closet gathering dust,” remarked Aaron.

“They get bought and worn and re-loved and sometimes re-loved again and again.”

For more information about Fashion Forward and their mission, visit jewishhouse.org.au/ff.

read more:
comments

Support the Australian Jewish News and enjoy 3 months free website access.

The AJN has been delivering important, timely and free online news to our community — keeping you informed, connected, and engaged. To continue providing the high-quality, independent journalism you rely on, we need your support. From May 2025, we will be introducing a website paywall, but subscribers who sign up now will enjoy 3 months of free access to the AJN website. After the free period, full access will be just $18 per month. Subscribe today to help us keep our community’s stories alive and ensure the AJN thrives for years to come.

Lock in 3 Months Free Before the AJN Paywall Begins!

The Australian Jewish news website is introducing a new subscription model soon. Subscribe TODAY to secure 3 months of free access to the entire website and our wealth of important and impactful articles and news content. Don’t miss this early bird offer!

Register Now