By Dixon Bledsoe
Emily Doerfler is by her own admission passionate about clothing. It is that passion that is now being channeled to the benefit others.
The Silverton High School student decided to take on The Glamour Closet for her senior project and it is in full swing.
The mission is “to provide glamorous rental outfits at low or no cost for local and surrounding area dances and events,” Doerfler said. “I wanted to do this because clothing is a passion. It may sound shallow at first, but being able to help girls who would otherwise not be able to afford a fancy dress and feel great in it makes me feel very good and glad to help.”
The organizers of the Glamour Closet include Doerfler and her mentor Kimberli Allen. The pair knew that a lot of girls and women have old prom dresses, bridesmaid dresses and other glamour outfits just taking up space after a one-use event.
In marketing the new business, which Doerfler and Allen hope to keep going even after Emily’s graduation in June, the goal is to give the gowns a new home and a new life.
“As females, we completely understand the need to be seen in a new outfit at every major event,” Allen said. “Exchanging, sharing and reusing is a very eco-friendly and budget-friendly way to accomplish the task.”
Allen said The Glamour Closet was founded as a result of her daughter, Arianna Gilbert, coming home from school one day very sad “because there were several girls not attending dances because they could not afford a nice enough outfit. As soon as Mr. Hannan at the high school connected me with Emily Doerfler the ball started rolling.”
Dresses, shoes, jewelry, shawls, hair pieces and purses can be donated to the Glamour Closet, which is housed at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 303 N. Church St. The Glamour Closet is a non-profit project working under the Silver Fox Foundation’s tax umbrella.
Realizing some teens may be embarrassed to visit The Glamour Closet, Doerfler said confidentiality is essential.
“We will treat everyone with respect and confidentiality. They are our customers. Who cares if they don’t have a big budget,” Doerfler said.
If you are interested in renting a dress or other items or donating items, call Doerfler at 503-798-8466 or Allen at 503-867-2182. Donations may be dropped off at Immanuel Lutheran Church or Silverton High School.
