Tickets for the third annual Thrift the Runway Fashion Show by The Open Door and its thrift store, Second Glance, are on sale now.

Thrift the Runway takes place Sunday, September 13 at The Cut, 155 Main Street, Gloucester.

• Doors Open: 6 p.m.
• Fashion Show: 7 p.m.
• After-Party: 8:30 to 10 p.m.

Get tickets: https://thecutlive.com/pages/events/thrift-the-runway

Part fashion show, part community celebration, and all for a good cause, Thrift the Runway raises funds to support local hunger relief efforts while showcasing the creativity and generosity of our community.

Where Fashion Meets Purpose

Held during both Hunger Action Month and New York Fashion Week, Thrift the Runway proves that great style can make a real difference.

Every outfit featured in the show is created using clothing and accessories donated to Second Glance. This year’s event will feature more than 100 looks styled entirely from thrifted finds, modeled by volunteers from across the community.

“Thrift the Runway is a reminder of what this community makes possible when we come together,” said Julie LaFontaine, President & CEO of The Open Door. “Every donated jacket, dress or pair of shoes that crosses the stage began as an act of generosity that will help bring good food to local people and families. It reflects the heart of The Open Door’s mission.” 

The event comes at a critical moment for local hunger-relief. Demand for food assistance continues to grow, with The Open Door seeing a 36% increase in requests for help last year following significant increases in the years before.

More Than a Fashion Show

What makes Thrift the Runway unique is that nearly everything involved in the production has been donated by members of the community.

“Everything you see on stage, from the clothing to the stage décor, was donated to Second Glance by someone in our community,” said Susan Zwart, Director of Thrift Operations. “That is what makes Thrift the Runway so special. It’s made possible by a community that understands our mission and is excited to join in.” 

For Kayla Mayo, who leads the fashion and styling efforts for the event, the show represents the perfect blend of sustainability and service.

“The whole show feels like magic to me”, said Kayla Mayo, The Open Door Thrift the Runway Fashion Lead. “We have volunteer models wearing entirely thrifted outfits walking across the stage in a fashion show to feed people. It’s a beautiful intersection of service and sustainability that is so central to Second Glance and The Open Door.” 

New This Year: Upcycled Designs from MassArt

A special highlight of this year’s event will be a finale featuring original upcycled looks created by students and alumni from Massachusetts College of Art and Design.

Designers Asia Kepka, Sabra George, Prachi Mahurkar, and Sylvie Djian transformed clothing, fabric, and jewelry sourced from Second Glance into streetwear-inspired designs created exclusively for the show.

“I can’t imagine a better cause to put my creativity into than feeding people and The Open Door does just that. There were times in my life when I went to bed hungry,” said Asia Kepka, who led the group of MassArt designers and also volunteered in the first two Thrift the Runway shows to style and design. “Each time I participate in designing and styling for the show, I learn something new and I feel like I’m part of a unique community.” 

Familiar Faces on the Runway

This year’s lineup of volunteer models includes a number of recognizable community leaders, including:

• Gloucester Mayor Paul Lundberg
• Previous Gloucester Mayor Greg Verga
• Previous Gloucester Mayor Sefatia Romeo-Theken
• Vionette Chipperini, Director of Veterans Services for the City of Gloucester
• Eric Mitchell, President & CEO of Pathways for Children
• Jason Andree, Board President of The Open Door
• Several members of The Open Door team

When you attend Thrift the Runway, you’re not just enjoying a fun night out. You’re helping ensure that local individuals and families have access to the food they need while celebrating the creativity, sustainability, and generosity that make our community so special. Learn more: FOODPANTRY.org