New Wave brings back the Celebs ... and their closets

Before the year is out, New Wave will execute one more event - for the benefit of the less fortunate in Kingston. On Sunday, December 16, the creative brand will be hosting its annual charity event, Celebrity Closet, at the ATL Showroom.

Under the theme 'Thrifting For A Cause', the New Wave team will transform the venue into a 'sip and thrift', inviting local celebrities and entertainers to donate items from their wardrobes, which New Wave will sell at a reduced cost. All profits and any leftover items will be donated to care homes across the capital city.

So far, Grammy-nominated recording artistes Protoje and Chronixx have confirmed their contributions to the inventory. Small Axe singer Jesse Royal, former Miss Jamaica Universe Kaci Fennell, and Xaymaca International director Kandi King have also confirmed. According to the event organisers, some of the celebs may also be making appearances throughout the day.

Celebrity Closet

A few years ago, before the New Wave brand existed, Lindsay Lodenquai conceptualised the thrifting event after taking note of the clothing and accessories celebrities and influencers receive through gifts and endorsements. The idea came to life, debuting on December 16, 2017, in the Treehouse at Hope Zoo.

"It went awesome last year, and we are so happy to be going harder this year. This will be New Wave's signature charity event that we will continue to do annually," she told The Gleaner. For those who may be uncomfortable with thrifting, Celebrity Closet also invited vendors like Timber Sunglasses, Paradise Child Skin Care, and Shoan's Collection Sandals to show their wares.

Do Good

This is just one of New Wave's philanthropic efforts. In October, Lodenquai, along with former Rising Stars contestant Diel and Festival Queen Ackera Gowie, led Environment Day at an arts camp at Happy House in Treasure Beach, which catered to more than 50 children. The children were engaged in art, music, sport and dance.

In the New Year, they intend to organise another version of the arts camp and engage the community, mainly children to paint a mural.

In addition to gathering funds and clothes for donation, they will also be previewing a brand, new clothing line called IZIM, a collaborative collection between Protoje and prominent roots selector and producer Yaadcore.