High-stakes television fashion with an ethical and sustainable twist
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Adrienne Francis is an elegant and accomplished addition to our nightly news consumption, hosting the 7pm ABC news bulletin.
But she is also changing the way the general public views second-hand, repurposed and recycled fashion, declaring herself an obsessive op-shopper and almost always appearing on our screens in something pre-loved.
The veteran journalist, who’s passion for vintage fashion was ignited when she studied at the University of Sydney and shopped in the plethora of op-shops in Newtown, has stayed true to her desire to minimise her reliance on the rapacious textiles industry, and the environmental blight that it creates. And in television land, that is subverting from within.
Apart from doing her bit for sustainable fashion, Adrienne admits it’s become a much bigger part of her life. She is addicted to op-shops—citing the love of the chase, the thrill of the find and the buzz of the op-ship vibes among the reasons she simply can’t stay away.
“Oh there is no doubt I am addicted to vintage. I find the whole experience thrilling, from the look of the shops, to the music, to the volunteers, to the customers I meet,” she says.
Encouraged in her ways by vintage-savvy makeup artists, including the always-fashionable Sue Foster, as well as some of the younger journalists in the ABC stable, such as Charlotte Gore, who take the ethics of consumption very seriously, Adrienne also notes that another happy by-product of second-hand fashion is its reduction on her cost-of-living pressures.
Some of her most favourite pre-loved treasures are sourced from Vinnies in Belconnen and Dickson, Communities at Work in Manuka. She is also partial to a quick stop at Vinnies in Yass and Braidwood and another regional charitable op shop called Phill’s Emporium at Bungendore.
She does not keep strictly to clothing either, always on the search for a glorious ceramic piece or work of art that can brighten her home.
Being in the public eye means Adrienne has to maintain a steady rotation of up-market attire, and she has grown adept at pinning and tucking garments so they look made-to-measure.
“You’d never know it but the odd bulldog clip has held me together from behind for the news,” she says with a laugh.
Management has been supportive of her wardrobe choices and Adrienne says that far from being something frowned upon, op-shopping is increasingly seen as more stylish than indulging in new fashion or, heaven forbid, fast fashion.
And, of course, there is fan mail. Just last week a woman wrote in to say she was approaching a special birthday and loved Adrienne’s jacket.
“Dear Adrienne. Absolutely love your silver purple/top on ABC News tonight!” it began, asking where it could be sourced.
The silver purple top in question.
And Adrienne is not the only one strutting around in pre-loved garb.
Her beloved whippet, Remi, also has a penchant for vintage wearables.
“Here he is a few months ago rocking a quality red polar fleece doggy jacket that I sourced from Vinnies Tuggeranong, which has a dedicated pet area within the store featuring useful items like collars, leashes, toys, and bedding.”
He’s since more than grown out of that jacket size and Adrienne makes sure to re-donate any clothes she and Remi have emotionally moved on from.
“For the past several years I have been the MC of the annual Vinnies Canberra/Goulburn CEO Sleepout which raises hundreds of thousands of dollars for the specialist frontline services supporting those experiencing, or at risk of homelessness.”
“In our region women now comprise more than sixty per cent of those seeking assistance from Vinnies and one in five identify at First Nations.”
She said the volunteering had given her a precious opportunity to meet a wide range of Vinnies staff, their passionate volunteers and some of the grateful companions—a term used to refer to Vinnies clients.
“Those experiences have given me a valuable insight into the difference every donated dollar, donated item or in-kind gesture can make in allowing these charities to give others in need a hand up.”
Adrienne notes that around 70 per cent of Vinnies’ current operational budget is generated from the retail sales from a network of twenty-seven shops in the region.
“Fortunately for Vinnies they have recorded an astonishing 38 per cent rise in retail sales last financial year,” she says.
So clearly it’s not just Adrienne and Remi addicted to the thrill of the pre-loved treasure.
Remi loves a new outfit—pre-loved of course.
And if you’re still not convinced, you can look online first, with Vinnies launching an Instagram account dedicated to their retail stores in July.
As an early Christmas present for thrift-lovers, Vinnies is also preparing to launch their twenty eighth shop in inner-city Braddon.
“3,000 tonnes of donations were diverted from landfill last financial year in our region and Vinnies are committed to being part of a circular economy and offering sustainable fashion, so whatever I can do to help I do.”
Meet Adrienne at ABC Canberra’s Open House
You can meet Adrienne and the team that create the local 7pm TV News bulletin as the ABC opens its doors for a once-in-a-decade open day next Saturday from 8:30am until 3pm with all the local ABC Radio Canberra presenters.
There will be all-day studio tours, where people can come test their skills as a TV and Radio News reader. They can rub shoulders with national TV presenters including Laura Tingle, David Speers, Lisa Millar, Michael Rowland, James Glenday and Greg Jennett. And for the younger ABC viewers, the Play School set including some of the beloved stuffed animal toys will be on show.
There will also be live music, a sausage sizzle, coffee and join a live outside broadcast of Saturday Breakfast’s Gardening Talkback with expert Willow from 8:30am onwards in the carpark of the ABC studio on the corner of Northbourne Avenue and Wakefield Avenue in Dickson.
Reserve your spot here.
Images by Ian Cutmore, ABC News Canberra
