Hope and Gloria to open

Selling pre-loved, vintage and vintage-inspired) fashion, furniture, home-wares and accessories with the proceeds going to charity, Hope and Gloria has grown out of the annual Coleraine-based charity fashion event, Handbags and Gladrags.

A ‘compassion fashion’ boutique in the heart of Coleraine, Hope and Gloria will also run free workshops on-site for local people seeking employment.Workshops will include training in crafts such as clothes making, hair dressing and the up-cycling of furniture.

Hope and Gloria is also establishing direct trading links with craftspeople throughout Africa with the aim of selling fair-trade items in store.

Hope and Gloria spokeswoman and interior designer Jude Burrows said: “Hope and Gloria is all about breathing new life into old or forgotten things.

“We’re passionate about recycling, thrift and creativity, and excited about bringing those things to the local high street. Whether you want to update your look without spending a fortune while giving to charity at the same time, donate the clothes you no longer wear, or just meet friends for coffee in relaxed surroundings, Hope and Gloria is the place to do it.”

Hope and Gloria will open to the public on Saturday, February, and is hosting an exclusive black tie champagne launch party on Friday, February 17 from 7.30pm - 9.30pm, featuring a fashion showcase, live music and sneak peeks at all that Hope and Gloria has to offer.

Tickets to the champagne launch party cost £10 and are available from www.hopeandgloria.org or from Sunday services at Causeway Coast Vineyard www.causewaycoastvineyard.com Hope and Gloria is operated by Causeway Coast Vineyard, and its profits will support projects such as the E3 Initiative and OAM Sports Academy in Africa, and Sunday Food Give-Away and CAP debt counselling in Coleraine.