Handbags galore!

Event organisers, from left, Kathy Hawker, Alia Ryan and Kat Hicks. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER

It's going to be handbags at dusk, as women (and some men!) gather for a showdown at Te Runanga Tea Rooms tonight.

Handbags of every shape, texture and hue will be auctioned at Handbag Heaven, a vintage themed cocktail evening raising money for Dress For Success Rotorua.

"We have some amazing bags donated again this year and other exciting auction items including jewellery and holiday packages," said event co-ordinator Alia Ryan of Boost Fundraising & Events.

The bags donated include a beautiful Annah Stretton Irregular Bird Song designer bag, a stunning Michael Korrs, Guess, and several other brand new bags, a very rare vintage Fassbender and many other vintage and pre-loved bags.

The event aims to raise $10,000 for Dress For Success, which is an affiliate of the global organisation that aids disadvantaged women to get into the workforce.

Dress For Success provides a service for women entering the workforce for the first time or after an extended break. It mentors them into finding work, improving skills, financial literacy, preparing their CVs, improving interview skills and volunteers support the women for three months after they have actually landed a job.

"We provide a wrap around service because many women lack the confidence and skills to find work and need support once they do. Within the first hour or so of coming into our shop, we see the difference in their confidence," said founding trustee and president of Dress For Success, Michelle Pleydell.

"Some of the women have never shopped before, they have just had hand-me-downs. It gives them a lift and they say 'yes I have a future', 'yes I can do this.'

Dress for Success is located at 1194 Tutanekai St. It relies on clothing donations and the work of volunteers to provide the core of its services.

-The event starts at 6pm. Tickets are $40 from www.boostevents.co.nz.