“Rags $2 Riches Detroit” Presents 5th Annual Thrifted Fashion Show and Gala
The 5th Annual Fashion Show Gala showcased thrifted and up-cycled looks sponsored by The Salvation Army featuring signature collections from Detroit brands— produced by ‘TheBagLadie’.
“Black Excellence” Rags $2 Riches promo shoot photographed by Shawn Rochelle.
(Left to right) @gculle, @bre_millionairess, @lola_lucania, @thekennwalker, @dauniedaun, @thebagladie, @erikaplackowski, and @sicarrab.
The Detroit Fashion Community was invited to a VIP experience of the highly acclaimed night of thrifted fashion presented by the fashion collective group, “Rags $2 Riches Detroit” and sponsored by one of the largest thrift stores in the Southeast, The Salvation Army. The 5th Annual Rags $2 Riches Fashion Show Gala was held Sunday, February 26, 2023 at an elusive secret location later revealed to be Venture X Detroit in the heart of Detroit’s Financial District. The coworking space venue was transformed into a ‘Black Tie’ themed runway lined with guests in all-black attire showcasing thrifted and up-cycled fashion styled by ‘Thebagladie’ alongside signature collections by Detroit designers.
Show producer and fashion creative, Stephanie Bedell (Thebagladie), a Detroit-based wardrobe stylist with a focus on plus-size fashion, and marketing manager for local lifestyle brand William Palmer Hommé, told Hour Detroit she was inspired to create the annual event in 2019. With nothing but time on her hands Bedell began to collect concepts of her ideal show, “…From there, Rags $2 Riches was born.” Each thrifted and up-cycled look in this year’s show was sourced from event sponsor The Salvation Army and styled by Stephanie herself.
Stephanie Bedell ‘TheBagLadie’ photographed by Allure & Soul Photography
As someone who “…lives, breathes, and eats fashion…” Stephanie’s ability to transform thrifted clothing into visually stunning couture runway looks was evident in the night’s presentation which featured several artistic elements for equally debonair guests to enjoy between imaginative collections and collaborations from Detroit based brands and designers, including U Gotta Have It Boutique, William Palmer Hommé, Vera Sacrum and Lucania Lavish Couture. From live painting, to complimentary cocktails from UDrinkIMake, to special performances, and Detroit themed swag bags, Stephanie continues to showcase the creative variety and elegance of Detroit’s fashion community.
Members of The Detroit Fashion Community Executive Board seated front row at Rags $2 Riches Fashion Show presentation. (Left to right) and Editor-In-Chief -Ayana Bryant-Weekes, Co-Director -Evan Hazlett, Director of Marketing -Monika Marie
A portion of the proceeds will go towards the Salvation Army rehabilitation programs in Midwest Michigan.
The Salvation Army rehabilitation programs in Midwest Michigan are fully funded by those who donate & shop at The Salvation Army’s Southeast Michigan thrift stores.