Dulcie's Bus is a first of its kind, purpose built mobile bus bringing gorgeous vintage clothing and secondhand gear to events and pop-ups all over South Australia.
It is so much more than that though.
Set up by Amanda Blair in 2013 with the assistance of her long time collaborator and friend Monique Bowley, it is a business where 100% of the proceeds go to two organisations - The Hutt Street Centre, and Centacare; organisations which support those experiencing homelessness or have been impacted by domestic violence. The name Dulcie comes from Dulcie Boag who was a volunteer at Hutt Street Centre's op-shop for 40 years. To date, their endeavour has raised over $215,000.
It is not only about raising money, but also raising awareness - that bad luck does not discriminate and that homelessness can happen to anybody.
Both women were driven by a desire to indulge their passion for vintage and secondhand clothing, and created a soulful business which not only provided practical help to those most vulnerable, but was in alignment with their ethos of re-using, recycling, repairing and reselling beautiful vintage pieces, many of which were once loved by the grand Dames of Adelaide.
Emma Grierson, General Manager says “Many people are realising that vintage and secondhand clothing is not only financially favourable, but kinder to the environment. Consumers are considering ethical and conscious shopping and avoiding fast fashion which is reflected in a spike in retail spending and growth in this sector. "
She also said that that by buying vintage you’ll never have that awful moment where you turn up at the party wearing the same dress as another guest!
Better still - it's not just shopping, it’s philanthropy.
Dulcie's Bus finds a home
The Dulcie's Bus team had been on the hunt for a shop for awhile, as all their events had been cancelled due to COVID-19.
We were thrilled to learn that they have chosen to put down their roots on the corner of Grange Road and Findon Roads, Kidman Park. Already an area known for its charity shops, they hope work collaboratively with the other shops to help it become the biggest “precinct” of its kind in South Australia.
The move to these premises allows Dulcie to continue to raise funds and dress vintage clothing lovers from Amanda's collection of threads amassed over the last seven years. There is only so much which can fit in the bus!
The location is large enough for storage, a shop and a carpark where their iconic fashion bus Dulcie can come and visit.
They see this location as much more than just a shop. The boutique and retail experience is only the beginning. Emma said that they feel supported in their vision to use the space for community engagement, craft, knitting and sewing classes, clothing repairs as well as events by Charles Sturt Council. They see it as a place to meet, share and make a contribution. (Yes they do take donations!)
“There is a sense that the area is changing, growing and diversifying. So are we. It’s the perfect location for us and we feel we have a wonderful new “home”. The Western suburbs are already filled with many creative people and industries, we see ourselves as a nice addition to it.”
As for the bus? It is currently delighting Adelaide Festival goers in The Garden of Unearthly Delights.
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Emma Grivell
Business Engagement Advisor - Urban Projects
E: egrivell@charlessturt.sa.gov.au