by Natalie Zarrelli

Thrift stores in New Orleans are often a font of old fashions just waiting to be worn by trend setters and evaders; some shoppers attack the old garments with sewing machines and appliques, resussitating ancient suits and gowns. The Bridge House Thrift Store, part of the local substance abuse recovery organization Bridge House, is gearing up to roll out the catwalk to show off the findings in their third annual fashion show tonight.

This benefit will showcase the ingenuity of local designers who were given free reign and $75 worth of clothing from the thrift stores to create new pieces from used clothing. The proceeds of the show this Friday go directly to the Bridge House/Grace House program as a fundraiser, and the event promises to be vibrant, with 26 designers will be revealing two pieces each, which can range from casual to Mardi Gras ballroom style wear. Anything goes when it comes to design choices, and the clothing could look very different from their original incarnations. One outfit from each collection will be included in the silent auction that will ensue.

There will be a vacation raffle for a private beach condo during Indian Summer, and local businesses donating a spread of delicious food and beverages for the benefit.  DJ Afrodesiak will be bringing the music in for the event.

Since 1957, Bridge House (and it's later founded sister-program, Grace House) has been a residential program offering long-term assistance to men and women struggling to overcome substance abuse. Funds raised through its thrift stores, used car lot, donations and events are used to run the residential treatment program.

While a bounty of organizations solely focus on eliminating substance abuse, Bridge House adds an important step for residents, and teach program graduates to take charge in their new, sober lives.

"We help with drug and alcohol abuse, but also help [Bridge/Grace House residents] learn job skills, interact with management in new jobs, and have a stable work environment." said  Anne Springer, organizer of the upcoming fashion show.  "It is meant to help people in the program practice recovery in daily life."

The Bridge House theory is that because hard-earned life change comes with new responsibilities and interactions, it makes sense to include this sort of life training in a recovery program.  Group therapy, individual counseling and work therapy are part of the curriculum which helps those who are homeless or low-income indiscriminately from men and women who come from more financially stable backgrounds.
 

The idea for this particular event originated with a resident of the program three years ago and has flourished since.
 

The proceeds of the show this Friday go directly to the Bridge House/Grace House program as a fundraiser. There will be a vacation raffle, select pieces of fashion on silent auction, and local businesses donating delicious food and beverages for the benefit.  DJ Aphrodesiac will be bringing the music in for the event.
 

Doors open at 7:30 PM and the show begins at 8:00 PM on February 3rd at South Port Hall in Jefferson.  Admission tickets are $25 if bought pre-event, $40 for VIP seating around the catwalk, and sponsorship levels begin at $250.
 

For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Wayne Olivio at 504.821.7135 or Anne Springer at 504.821.7134.