A dress made from Care Bears. A taxidermy duck wearing goggles. Antique chandeliers, original music and hundreds of people dressed head-to-toe in op-shop finds.

That’s the wonderfully quirky world of the Thrift Shop Ball.

What began as one woman’s idea inspired by an op shop ball at Waihī Beach has grown into one of the Bay’s most colourful and creative annual events, celebrating sustainable fashion, original music, performance art and creativity.

Now in its fifth year, the Thrift Shop Ball returns to Totara St on August 8, with one simple dress code: wear something thrifted.

Organiser Rachael Stanway of Rozella Presents said the event has steadily evolved from a grassroots idea into a sell-out celebration of circular fashion.

“We sold out last year and we’re going to sell out this year,” she said. “We’re only about 60 tickets away, so I’m really happy. It’s taken five years to get it to this stage.

“I went once to the Waihī Beach event and thought, ‘This would be so cool in the Mount – but I could do it better,’” she laughs.

Thrift Shop Ball organiser Rachael Stanway. Photo / Kelly O’Hara

Since then, the event has become an immersive experience where guests are just as much a part of the entertainment as the performers.

“One of the things I love most is how our audience becomes part of the performance through fearless fashion, bold looks and unapologetic self-expression,” Stanway said.

Unlike traditional costume parties, there is no set theme beyond wearing second-hand clothing.

“Thrift shop is the theme,” she said. “That leaves it open. People don’t necessarily have money to buy costumes, and even op shop clothing is getting expensive. Most people have something in their wardrobe or something they can borrow.”

Fashion show winners at the 2025 Thrift Shop Ball. Photo / David Dunham

The philosophy reflects the growing popularity of circular fashion, encouraging people to reuse, share and extend the life of clothing rather than buying new.

Creativity is central to the night, with guests arriving in outfits made from vintage finds, pre-loved clothing and recycled materials. Some spend months creating elaborate wearable artworks.

Last year’s winning outfit was a dress made entirely from Care Bears.

A live fashion parade is one of the evening’s highlights, with hostess and MC Pia La Joie selecting about 10 standout outfits from the crowd to walk the stage.

“It’s not about expensive fashion,” Stanway said. “It’s about creativity.”

She said guests can also pre-register to take part, with prizes awarded by a judging panel that includes Emma La Rocca, founder of Emroce Swimwear.

Participants in the fashion show at the 2025 Thrift Shop Ball. Photo / David Dunham

The experience begins as guests step into Preloved Project’s NOT Vogue Photography Activation by multimedia artist Serena Stevenson. Part mini studio, part performance, guests are transformed into the stars of their own Vogue-style editorial, celebrating creativity, self-expression and sustainable fashion.

From there, they enter a venue transformed with antique lighting, unexpected props and immersive visuals by Paige Visuals.

“I’ve been collecting eclectic styling pieces for around 15 years,” Stanway said. “I love creating spaces where people walk in and immediately start exploring.”

Over the years, conversation pieces have included vintage lamps, reclining mannequins, quirky curiosities and even a taxidermy duck wearing goggles.

“It’s eclectic, immersive, and one of my favourite parts of bringing the event to life.”

Music is another major part of the event, with a focus on original New Zealand artists rather than cover bands. Holding the evening together is MC Al Sorley, guiding guests through the night’s performances, fashion parade and entertainment.

This year’s line-up includes Geo Seato, Waihī Beach nine-piece band Disco Bush and electronic artist Sanoi, who will headline the dance floor later in the night.

Benthamism performing at a previous Thrift Shop Ball. Photo / David Dunham

“I wanted to bring music people haven’t necessarily seen before,” Stanway said. “It’s all original.”

The programme also features performance art, including two original dance works created especially for the event by Auckland artist Dani VR.

Stanway encourages performers to follow their own creative vision.

“You’re an artist. I don’t want to micromanage what you do.”

Beyond entertaining audiences, the event is also helping nurture emerging talent behind the scenes.

For the past four years, Stanway has partnered with Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology tutor Nick Ririnui to give final-year music students hands-on experience in live event production.

Kool with a K band playing at the 2024 Thrift Shop Ball. Photo / David Dunham

Students work alongside industry professionals on staging, lighting, sound and backstage operations.

“When I was learning, nobody taught me,” Stanway said. “It was all self-taught. I wish I’d had an opportunity like this.”

While the event has grown significantly, its purpose remains the same: celebrating creativity, sustainability and the possibilities of second-hand fashion.

“What’s been really interesting is seeing how much it’s grown alongside the rise of sustainable fashion and circular creativity in New Zealand,” Stanway said.

“Dive into your wardrobe, raid the op shops, and create something striking, personal, and entirely your own. No rules. No limits. Just creativity stitched together from thrifted gems and forgotten favourites.”

Five years on, the Thrift Shop Ball continues to prove style doesn’t have to be new to make an impact.

Tickets to the August 8 event are available at www.rozellapresents.co.nz