A community fashion show celebrating sustainability, affordability and local connection will mark one year since Have a Heart Community Store reopened in Kopeopeo.

The fashion show will be held on Monday, July 27, at 12pm at the store on King Street, featuring pre-loved clothing modelled by volunteers, customers and community members.

Store manager Anja Kleinschmidt said the event was designed as a fun way to celebrate the milestone while highlighting the value of quality second-hand clothing.

“I definitely wanted something community-based,” she said.

“Throughout the year we constantly run specials, so it needed to be something different to put us on the map, generate some excitement and have something different to look forward to.”

Models of all ages and sizes will showcase outfits across a range of themes, including everyday wear, vintage fashion, formal attire, animal prints and a category focused on new beginnings and growth.

All clothing featured in the show has been donated to the store and will be available for purchase afterwards.

The event also aims to raise awareness about clothing waste, and the role second-hand stores can play in reducing items sent to landfill.

“The past year I realised how much clothing is going around and how much is ending up in the landfill,” Kleinschmidt said.

“We want to make people more aware that you can find good-quality clothing pre-loved at op shops for a good price. Everything that I'm wearing today is pre-loved.”

Proceeds from ticket sales will support Have a Heart’s food pantry at 8B Merritt Street, helping provide affordable food to families.

“Our main thing is to see how big we can get the food pantry and provide affordable food back to the community.”

Kleinschmidt said the past year had also been rewarding on a personal level.

“Over the past year, it has been such a joy getting to know our customers and slowly building real relationships, not only with our volunteers, but with the many people who support our community store. It’s become a beautiful reminder of what the word ‘community’ truly means.”

The fashion show starts at noon and is expected to run for about two hours. Tickets cost $10 and include light refreshments, entry into the draw for food hampers, and access to buy the clothing modelled on the day.

Tickets are available from the Have a Heart Community Store or the Have a Heart Office at 8B Merritt Street.

The office is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10am-2pm.

The Community Store in Kopeopeo is open Tuesday to Friday from 10am-3pm, and on Saturday from 9.30am-1pm.