Big label shopping in aid of Cancer Trust

Terminally ill Gayleene Kepka will donate clothing to a designer auction at Saturday's Underwire event to raise money for HB Breast Cancer Trust. Photo / File

Fashion is not frivolous when money for designer duds is going straight to Hawke's Bay's Breast Cancer Trust.

The Underwire is an event for those looking to pick up labelled clothing for a fraction of the price, while supporting charity and will be held at Iona College this Saturday from 10am.

There will be a brunch, catwalk fashion show, silent auction followed by the chance to try on and buy some beautiful, donated outfits.

It is the result of a brainstorming session between terminally-ill woman Gayleene Kepka and friend Claire Vogtherr, and has been in the pipeline for more than six months.

"Everybody has been inspired by someone or other who has shown grace and courage in the face of cancer - Gayleene did that for me, she has a love of fashion and I have a love of second-hand clothes, so we combined that," Ms Vogtherr says.

"Money raised will go to Hawke's Bay Breast Cancer Trust to raise awareness ... everyone we have asked to help has come on board, and there's a long list."

Mrs Kepka, a self-confessed fashion follower who formed a friendship with designer Trelise Cooper on her 50th Birthday was diagnosed with breast cancer for the first time almost 11-years-ago, before it was discovered a second time.

She was later found to have ovarian cancer and the BRCA1 gene - a gene which dramatically increased her risk of cancer, recently highlighted by actress Angelina Jolie Pitt, who publicised the decision to have a preventive double mastectomy as well as removing her ovaries and fallopian tubes.

Cancer is a battle no one should have to fight and if Mrs Kepka can get at least one person to catch it early, she will be happy.

"Kevin Waggs will be doing a bit of an interview with me - he will ask some informal questions [about my cancer journey] and I will answer.

"For me the big thing is early detection and looking into family history," she says.

"Being vigilant, getting second opinions - that's the message. There are many different forms of breast cancer."

It may not be a lump which marks the start of something - it could be a slight dimpling or something seemingly insignificant.

With a wardrobe filled with designer items, Mrs Kepka will be donating select pieces from the likes of Gucci, Dior and Versace for a silent auction to raise extra funds.

"Come to buy people's really loved designer clothing, there will be some really cool stuff, there's a fashion show, the interview, the brunch what else can you do for $25?," she says.

"If you come you can buy an item of clothing or designer Dior sunnies that are still up with the latest trends, and that makes you feel pretty good."

-Tickets are just $25 from Holly Bacon Co in Hastings, Roundabout Pre-Loved boutique for Breast Cancer, Ahuriri and Penny Madden's Pottery in Taradale.