New Zealand’s largest community of pre-loved fashion enthusiasts, Designer Wardrobe, has teamed up with the fashion-for-a-purpose charity Dress for Success Auckland to bring Second Hand September to New Zealand next month.
What is Second Hand September?
First introduced in 2019 by the UK charity Oxfam, Second Hand September encourages the re-wearing, reselling, and donating of clothing throughout September, a month traditionally dominated by global fashion shows.
To celebrate Second Hand September debuting in New Zealand, Designer Wardrobe and Dress for Success Auckland will launch The Celebrity Designer Wardrobe Sale.
Taking place from 16th – 30th September, The Celebrity Designer Wardrobe Sale is an online-only event for anyone wanting to browse, shop and take part. Kiwis will be able to purchase a range of iconic pre-loved fashion pieces that have been donated by some of New Zealand’s most well-known celebrities.
Celebrities donating items for The Celebrity Designer Wardrobe Sale include:
- Hilary Barry – New Zealand journalist, TV personality and presenter
- Toni Street – New Zealand journalist, TV personality and presenter
- Morgana O’Reilly – New Zealand actress
- Kaylee Bell – New Zealand’s and Australia’s most-streamed country artist
- Diamond Langi – Tongan-New Zealand Model, Actress and Miss Universe New Zealand
The Celebrity Designer Wardrobe Sale features pieces from global designer brands such as Gucci and Chloe, alongside New Zealand designers like Karen Walker and Trelise Cooper.
With re-wearing, reselling, and donating clothing at the heart of Second Hand September, all proceeds from The Celebrity Designer Wardrobe Sale will be donated to Dress for Success Auckland, supporting the charity’s mission to empower women to achieve economic independence.
Additionally, Designer Wardrobe will donate $1 to the charity for every 10 listings added to its marketplace during the period of The Celebrity Designer Wardrobe Sale, up to a total of $3,000.
Aidan Bartlett, CEO of Designer Wardrobe, said: “Bringing Second Hand September to New Zealand, we want to raise awareness about the importance of shopping more consciously by extending the life of items that have already been loved. For example, just an extra nine months of wear can reduce an items carbon footprint by up to 10 per cent*.”
“September is an ideal time to do just that, as it’s a month typically filled with major fashion events that take place around the world. In New Zealand specifically, it’s also a time when many will transition their wardrobes from winter to spring.”
Aidan continues: “Partnering with Dress for Success and launching The Celebrity Designer Wardrobe Sale to mark the arrival of Second Hand September in New Zealand is something we’re extremely passionate about.
“Together, with the help of some well-known celebrities, we want to collectively highlight why buying pre-loved fashion offers a smarter way to shop.
“Ultimately, we want to encourage New Zealanders to rethink how and what they buy and embrace re-wearing, reselling, and repurposing fashion pieces that may otherwise sit unworn or unused in the back of a wardrobe collecting dust.
“And let’s not forget – whilst doing all of the above, we’re also raising funds for the incredible work that Dress for Success Auckland does.”
Robyn Moore, Executive Manager at Dress for Success Auckland, said, “We see value in every piece of clothing we receive. Whether we pass these items on to those who need them or sell them to raise funds for our charity, repurposing has a significant impact and role across all the work we do.
“By partnering with Designer Wardrobe to bring Second Hand September to New Zealand through The Celebrity Designer Wardrobe Sale, we hope to see more Kiwis recognise the importance of repurposing items from their wardrobes, as often these items still have so much life left for others to enjoy.”
Celebrate Second Hand September in New Zealand by purchasing an item of pre-loved fashion owned by a celebrity during The Celebrity Designer Wardrobe Sale. And don’t forget to list your own pieces of pre-loved fashion between 16 and 20 September to help raise as much money as possible for Dress for Success.
For more information about New Zealand’s largest community of pre-loved fashion enthusiasts, please visit Designer Wardrobe. For Second Hand September – The Celebrity Designer Wardrobe Sale, CLICK HERE
About Designer Wardrobe
Since its founding in 2014, Designer Wardrobe has become a major player in the pre-loved fashion industry and forming New Zealand’s largest community of pre-loved fashion enthusiasts. The company’s purpose-built New Zealand-made marketplace platform is the go-to for 300,000 members to shop and sell pre-loved clothing and now facilitates around $1.6 million in transactions every month.
Designer Wardrobe champions its member’s needs, regularly launching innovative products, including seller add-ons, AI and an integrated resale widget, to create a seamless shopping and selling experience while promoting sustainability in New Zealand’s bustling fashion industry.
About Dress for Success Auckland
Dress for Success Auckland is the Auckland affiliate of Dress for Success Worldwide. The charity’s aim is to support women achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire, and the development tools to help women thrive in life.
