(re) FashionForAction offers a fresh, sustainably focused take on one of the Housing Works Thrift Shops’ biggest annual events.This year, Housing Works has been gifted over $1M worth of new pieces straight from the warehouses of major brands, the studios of chic designers, and the closets of high fashion curators. We’re beyond excited for our opening night reception on November 8th, where we’ll open the doors of our Chelsea Thrift Shop for night full of music, cocktails, and unbelievable deals, all hosted by the iconic Patricia Clarkson.
We interviewed three of this year’s online curators to get a sense of what to expect from (re) Fashion for Action 2023. Set an alarm for 7pm on Nov. 8 so you can be the first to peruse their curated collections on the e-Shop.
Mia Moretti (MM) is a DJ, songwriter, poet, interior designer, and style icon. Her most recent song, “TAMBOR” ft. Totó la Momposina, can be found on Apple Music, Spotify, or wherever you listen to music.
Natalie Kates (NK) is curator, art advisor and event producer who has raised over a million dollars for various charities through her art production company, Style Curator Inc. She also co-founded KATES-FERRI PROJECTS, a creative community and artistic incubator for Latin X artists, queer artists, and other artists of color.
J. Logan Horne (JLH) is a collector, stylist and vintage enthusiast who founded J. Logan Home, a sustainable lifestyle brand that uses pre-owned designer goods to create unique household objects and furniture.
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How would you describe your personal style?
- MM: Moody, but with boundaries.
- NK: My personal style is "High & Low, Uptown meets Downtown”. I love mixing and matching to create whimsical, unexpected, style curated looks. I achieve this by wearing statement pieces of jewelry, by playing with volume, and by mixing patterns and textures.
- JLH: My style is eclectic chic. It’s a bit of a mix of city and beach style, so I like to find classic timeless pieces, but in fun colors, prints or details that make them stand out a bit more than usual.
What was one of your favorite thrift finds?
- MM: A long sleeve floor length lipstick red velvet evening gown — talk about a mood.
- NK: Whenever I travel, I google "best rated thrift stores". I have so many fabulous vintage finds from around the world. My best kept secrets are the “in pocket by appointment” vintage salons in Milan, Italy.
- JLH: An antique Gucci shoehorn with an actual animal (deer?) horn as the handle –– a not so subtle tribute to my last name of course.
What is the best thing you’ve ever thrifted at Fashion for Action?
- MM: A Burberry trench coat
- NK: A Zandra Rhodes couture jacket picked from Fashion for Action 2017
- JLH: A brand new navy pinstriped wool suit from Brooks Brothers. Or a Black Fleece by Thom Browne. It fit me right off the rack and it’s so nice to wear during the colder months. I like it even more now that the line isn’t around any longer.
Are there any pieces in your collection that you want to tell us about?
- MM: While we’re on the subject of moods, this blue fur coat is it.
- NK: My curated closet for this year's event has some real gems. Some of my favorite selects are Thierry Mugler’s circa ’80’s She-Devil Blazer, Alber Elbaz for Lanvin, Martin Maison Margelia, and a pair of limited edition (only 1000 made!) Melissa high heels designed by artist Sebastian ErraZuriz.
- JLH: The vintage Gucci clutch that I found thrifting in my hometown of Jacksonville, FL. My favorite thing to do in high school was to skip class to go thrifting. I remember finding anything Gucci was the absolute holy grail in those days.
Why do you support Housing Works?
- MM: Housing Works represents everything that is beautiful about New York City: the people, the support, the connection, and the soul. We all make this city go round - so it only makes sense that our clothes go around too.
- NK: I am an official Housing Works Brand Ambassador and their mission aligns with my beliefs and core values.
- JLH: Housing Works feels like a family to me. From the first time I stepped into one of their shops, it felt like home, like an amalgamation of so many homes. Nothing compares to the feeling you have when you find a total score while thrifting, and when the money goes to amazing causes such as Housing Works, it makes the experience so much better.
(re) Fashion For Action is a time-honored tradition for fashionistas and bargain hunters alike, and these new and unique pieces will be exclusively available to you for 50-80% off retail prices. All proceeds help fund Housing Works' life-saving healthcare services, supportive housing, and relentless advocacy. What gems will you find this year?
Get tickets to our Nov. 8 opening night reception and be sure to check out both our in-store and online selection from Nov. 8-11.