Last weekend, Windfall’s Buy Design annual fundraiser resembled a time warp into a 1930s small town carnival. Themed, “Spring Social”, guests were treated to a bake sale, hat auction, candy stand and balloon popping game alongside the typical live and silent auction.

A perfect compliment to the carefully planned décor and details were the guests who raided relative’s closets, scoured vintage shops and researched accessories for the perfect outfit. Most of the crowd came dressed in theme.

Vanessa Rienau bought a ticket to the party after a friend sent her an invite.

“It’s a great cause,” Rienau said, “and I had so much fun shopping today for the perfect outfit. I wish there were more events like this in the city.”

While many of the guests rocked vintage garb, some guests even went so far as to make their own clothing specifically for the event. For Lee and Fran Bacon, the Buy Design Spring Social was a family affair.

“We researched together online what they wore in the thirties, then we ordered patterns from that time period and made our dresses,” said Lee. “To accessorize we used pieces from my Grandmother’s closet.”

An honourable mention also goes to Amy Shafey who designed and made her dress out of paper bags as a cheeky nod to the depression.

While the evening was full of fun and fashion the night was also for a great cause. The proceeds went toward Windfall, Canada’s only new clothing bank, and Fashion File television personality Adrian Manella hosted the event for the fifth year.

“Clothing is like armor,” Manella said. “Everyone should have the dignity of being able to wear new clothes.”