KENT—Democratic women in Kent dug deep into their closets this year to create a chic Vintage and Pre-Owned Fashion Boutique that was previewed Wednesday night to raise money for the Democratic campaign.
Patricia Oris, chairman of the Kent Democratic Town Committee, said the idea for the boutique surfaced early last winter and that she contacted women via social media asking for donations of treasured, but no longer used, clothing.
“Many women on the town committee and in the larger community have graciously given an amazing collection clothing, accessories, shoes,” she said. “We had a ‘first dibs’ preview sale Wednesday at 27 North Main St., Studio 7B for those who contributed to see all the goods, and people from the public were invited with $10 entry fee. Today (Thursday) and for the rest of the sale weekend, we will be open 10 to 4 p.m.
“It was so interesting to see how many women contacted us. They would tell us that they had kept the clothes because of their memories of wearing them, but for the Democrats they would let them go. You can bond over clothes. I heard so many stories—‘I wore this dress to my daughter’s wedding and it was such a wonderful day,’ or ‘I wore this gown to the Metropolitan Opera and it was a fabulous night.’ The women were so into this, people made friends in the process, which was the most wonderful thing.”
Some of the donations came from farther afield with both Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz and state Representative Maria Horn making donations.
She said that Nancy Schaefer, long wardrobe supervisor on Broadway, volunteered to mend and recondition the clothes if minor touch-ups were needed. “It really was a bonding experience,” Oris asserted. “I would say, first, it was a creative experience, then social and lastly political.”
It will look political in the near future, however. The committee has rented the space on the second through November. “When we sell all the clothing, the space will become a busy campaign center,” she said. “Everyone is so excited to have such a counterpoint as our [presidential] candidate. The younger people are all fired up, which gets us older people fired up.”
The local Democrats have car stickers that say, “Madam President,” which are given to people buying clothing. “I think some people buy the clothes just to get the sticker,” she quipped.
The “first dibs” night raised more than $1,000. The Vintage Fashion Sale in the Kent Town Center, 27 North Main St., continues from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Sunday, Aug. 4.
