Students put pre-loved fashion on the ball circuit
Students from five Nelson Tasman secondary schools have teamed up to open the Nelson Ball Op-Shop — a pop-up store offering affordable, pre-loved formal wear while promoting sustainable fashion.
Through Make/Shift Spaces, the store is being housed for three weeks until July 4 in the former Body Shop, on Trafalgar St.
On offer are ball gowns, suits, shoes and accessories, all sourced from local op-shops and community donations with nothing priced over $20.
Students from Waimea College, Nayland College, Garin College, Nelson College, and Nelson College for Girls collaborated on the initiative, handling everything from set-up to sales.
Year 12 Nelson College for Girls student Macey Harper said the idea started as a way to make ball wear more affordable for students.
“It’s so expensive with how much it costs to actually go to the ball,” she said.
“As girls, you’re also expected to look pretty with everything: the nails, the hair, makeup, everything — but with these ball dresses, it makes it so much more achievable.”
The shop also aimed to tackle fashion waste, Harper said.
“You only wear them once, so people can donate those dresses from last year. It stops them from going to landfill.”
The shop opened on June 16 and was scheduled to run through to July 4, with all proceeds supporting Brook Waimārama Sanctuary and Natureland Wildlife Trust.
Alteration services were available on-site through the charity, Textile ResQ Collective, and the store included a wide range of sizes and styles.
Last week after first opening the doors, “there was a whole group of people waiting outside for it to open,” Harper said. “It’s been crazy.”
People had also visited for events beyond school balls, including 21st parties.
“This one lady just walks in and was like, ‘I’ve got my boot full of all wedding dresses if you want them’.”
Year 12 Nayland College student, Tara McLarin, said the project also helped them connect with peers across different schools.
“It’s cool teaming up with the schools as well, like the collaboration and making friends. It’s nice to branch out into the community.”The shop proved both accessible and popular — with plans already being discussed to make it an annual initiative.
Donations were still being accepted at participating schools and at Nelson City Council.
Organisers said they hoped the success of this year’s event would inspire even greater community support in future years.
By Warren Gamble, Nelson Mail
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