"Goodwill Goes GLAM!" returns to the Blaisdell Center Exhibition Hall with a fundraiser gala and fashion show Sept. 19, followed by the GLAM! sale Sept. 20 to 22. In addition to Goodwill’s recycled clothing, the sale will be highlighted by a "Hawaii Five-0" collection of 1,000 garments donated by the CBS production, including pieces worn by the show’s stars. Clothing won’t be marked, but fanatical fans might recognize garments worn by Alex O’Loughlin or Grace Park and snatch them up for $2.99 to $10.99.
According to Goodwill Industries of Hawaii President Laura Smith, about 4,000 people showed up for last year’s inaugural event, and 6,000 are expected this year. About 700 are expected to attend the sold-out Bank of Hawaii presents Goodwill Goes GLAM! Gala and VIP event featuring "The Timelessness of Goodwill" fashion show. The show’s two segments themed "Hollywood Icons" and "Fashion ForWARD" will by styled by University of Hawaii and Honolulu Community College fashion students and graduates, and Freshionable owner Jenny Cao-Wu.
The "Hollywood Icons" show will offer classic and contemporary looks gleaned from Goodwill stores, while the "Fashion ForWARD" segment, presented by show sponsor Ward Centers, will feature about 20 looks for men and women previewing 2014 spring/summer trends, including urban hipster, boudoir, rocker, folklore/nomadic and Americana/ prairie. It all adds up to a thoroughly modern way of dressing, by augmenting a contemporary wardrobe with interesting classic, vintage pieces.
Funds raised will help Goodwill’s mission to help people reach their potential through employment and training programs.
Katie Ka‘anapu, senior marketing manager at Howard Hughes Corp., which is developing the Ward area, said she was drawn to Goodwill’s mission and that the corporation shares the desire to support the community.
"We do have a lot of unique boutiques that are not available anywhere else. They’re not national chains, and they’re not in any other local malls. There are some really special hidden gems, and we really want to put the spotlight on them and support locally owned businesses," she said.
The Ward segment will be a sneak preview of next month’s Hawaii Fashion Month, which kicks off Oct. 1 and includes a trade show Oct. 2 and 3 in the space below T.J. Maxx.
All fashion show items from Ward Centers will be donated to Goodwill to be sold at the GLAM! event, along with more than 40,000 brand-name, luxury and vintage items. Racks will be constantly restocked over the three days of the sale.
Last year, Smith said, shoppers were so excited about their finds that midway through the event Goodwill started enlisting staffers to snap photos and upload them to Facebook. This year they’ve hired a photographer to document those finds.
"People love that part. A lot of Goodwill shoppers are treasure hunters and love finding bargains, so when they find a pair of shoes, purse or clothing from a brand they love, they light up and think, ‘Score!’ So we wanted to capture that moment in a photo," she said.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sept. 20, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 21 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 22. General-admission tickets are $4 at the door; a $2-off coupon can be downloaded at www.higoodwill.org. There is also a $2 discount for military, seniors and students. Children age 12 and younger get in free.