Dee Salmin (L) attends the NGV Gala 2025 at the opening of the Westwood | Kawakubo exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria on December 06, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia.
(Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images for NGV)
Dee Salmin, Australian radio presenter and producer for Triple J, will attend tonight’s NGV Gala wearing a custom-made dress crafted from lace sourced from Vinnies Victoria, continuing her long-standing commitment to sustainable fashion and upcycling.
The gown was created in collaboration with designer Emma Jane of aboutphaedra, known for her innovative approach to fashion by reworking unexpected textures to create dresses that are contemporary and feminine. Ethically sourced shell detailing is used throughout, with every element crafted without plastic.
Emma approached Dee to design a one-off dress that celebrates both creativity and sustainability, with the lace sourced from Vinnies Victoria stores across Melbourne serving as the perfect material to honour both aesthetics and environmental responsibility.
For more than 15 years, Dee has committed to wearing second-hand clothing, using her platform to champion sustainable fashion. Draped in a gown crafted from repurposed lace, she proves that op-shop finds can be transformed into high-fashion, luxurious pieces. It’s a powerful reminder that choosing second-hand first not only reduces waste but also helps support the vital services Vinnies provides to the community.
Dee Salmin said:
- “Sustainability is at the heart of my style. It’s not just about buying second-hand – it’s about giving new life to pieces with history, meaning and purpose. If you walk into a Vinnies Victoria store in Melbourne, you’ll find baskets of fabric just waiting to become something new. Creating a dress this way doesn’t just reduce landfill waste – it costs less than buying new, and the money you do spend goes straight back into a good cause.”
- “This dress made from lace sourced from Vinnies Victoria is a perfect example of how op-shopping and sustainability don’t have to compromise on style. It’s creative, thoughtful, and luxe.”
- “Fashion doesn’t have to be wasteful. I love wearing second-hand, and this dress represents everything I stand for – sustainability, creativity, and individuality. Working with Vinnies Victoria shows just how powerful op-shopping can be”
- “I’ve always been drawn to unique, second-hand pieces. Wearing this gown made from lace sourced from Vinnies Victoria is a true celebration of op-shopping and the beauty in repurposing.”
Dee Salmin attends the NGV Gala 2025 at the opening of the Westwood | Kawakubo exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria on December 06, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia.
(Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images for NGV)
Emma Jane said:
- “The beauty of sustainable fashion is that it tells a story. This dress combines the idea of reimagining what already exists with the elegance of modern design.”
- “Working with Dee on this dress was about creating something that blends style and sustainability. The lace we used is a nod to the past, but the dress feels fresh, modern, and full of life.”
- “Repurposing materials is an exciting way to breathe new life into design. The lace sourced from Vinnies Victoria was an inspiration – it allowed us to create a dress that’s both timeless and responsible.”
Vinnies Victoria stores are seeing a steady increase in customers choosing pre-loved fashion year on year, reflecting a growing shift towards more sustainable and affordable shopping habits. With 120+ stores across the state and 12 new stores opened in the 12 months, Vinnies Victoria has generated a retail turnover of more than $60 million, helping fund vital community services. At the same time, demand for these services continues to rise nationwide as the cost-of-living crisis puts pressure on households. This makes choosing op shops first more important than ever, ensuring Vinnies can continue supporting Australians when they need it most.
ABOUT THE ST VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY:
The St Vincent de Paul Society and its wide network of members and volunteers provide practical frontline support, advocacy and friendship for the most vulnerable members of our community. Key services include home visitation; Vinnies Shops; youth programs; soup vans; assistance for asylum seekers and refugees; education and tutoring; and professional accommodation and health services through VincentCare. The St Vincent de Paul Society in Victoria has more than 10,000+ members and volunteers, and more than 60,000 across Australia. Internationally, the Society operates in 149 countries and more than 950,000 members. To find out more visit www.vinnies.org.au.?
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