Fashions raise money for a good cause
“People donate their high-end fashion, others buy it and all the money goes to Jewish House,” CEO Rabbi Mendel Kastel said.
Jewish House’s flagship Fashion Forward studio opened earlier this month.
The organisation has collaborated with community members Sharon Aaron and Nicole Katz on the venture.
“It’s a whole new way of giving to charity,” Katz told The AJN.
“People who don’t have the time to volunteer or the finances to donate lump sums, this is their way of giving.
In addition, she said, “They are now wearing brands they wouldn’t normally afford to wear.”
The initiative began last year with sales events in the women’s homes, while trading moved online this year due to the pandemic.
With the studio now established in Kensington, new fashion items are listed for sale every Monday and Wednesday mornings on Instagram.
“People are setting their alarms to get the best bargains,” said Katz.
Anything not sold in the week is discounted on Sundays, while gift vouchers are also available.
Earlier this month the studio held its second in-person evening sales event.
Katz said, “There was a great buzz, everyone coming knows they’re donating but they’re getting something in return and partaking in the whole fashion circle, saving clothes from landfill.”
She said Fashion Forward has made almost $35,000 since the end of lockdown.
Funds go to help women and children in crisis who have fled abusive relationships.
“It’s a really beautiful space to be in,” said Katz.
“Women giving their clothes, women buying clothes, all to help women who are doing it tough.”
Jewish House CEO Rabbi Mendel Kastel said “it’s really a win-win for all”.
“People who are donating are emptying out their wardrobes and feeling that the clothing is going to a good place. People buying are obviously getting high-end fashion for very reasonable prices,” he said.
“And the money is all going to help people.”
Celebrity fans of the enterprise so far include journalist Jessica Rowe, blogger and author Kerri Sackville and television personality Kathryn Eisman.
Online sales on Instagram: @fashionforward_jh_retail
More info: facebook.com/FashionForward327
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