Mixing old, new clothes makes fashion statement

By Paula Rath
Advertiser Staff Writer

Cheap chic is tres chic right now. Hip Hollywood fashionistas, including Chloe Sevigny and Winona Ryder, have made it cool to shop in thrift stores and vintage boutiques, often pairing their finds with high-end pieces by Dior, Gucci and Prada.

Now Hawai'i fashion lovers can try their hand at an eclectic look as the Salvation Army holds its 14th annual Celebrity Thrift Fashion Show April 7 at 11:45 a.m. at the Sheraton Waikiki.

A boutique will be open from 9:30 a.m., allowing shoppers to peruse more than 5,000 new and slightly used garments and accessories at rock-bottom prices.

Many of the pieces are unsold merchandise donated because of retail overstocking.

Designers spotted on the racks include Armani, Gucci, Versace, Mamo, Anne Klein and Anne Taylor. There's career and casual wear, mu'umu'u, shoes, belts and handbags. Aloha shirts and other clothing for men are available, as well.

Prices range from $3 for a blouse to $30 for a complete ensemble.

Since they skipped the annual show last year, the folks at the Salvation Army thrift stores (five on O'ahu, four on Maui, three on the Big Island and two on Kaua'i) have had 12 extra months to keep an eye out for items for the "best of" boutique.

Among the celebrity models will be weather reporters Trini Ka'opuiki of KHON and Ku'ualoha Taylor of KGMB, for whom Mamo is specially designing two outfits; Jill Kuramoto of KITV, and Diane Ako and Jodi Leong of KHNL.

The event, organized by the Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary, will benefit the organization's humanitarian programs. Seats are $40 per person, $20 of which is tax deductible. To reserve a seat ,call Jan Young or Betty Teruya at 988-2136.