Blog: The Mothball

Since last year's Mothball was such a great success, we decided to repeat it this year. The weekend after Labor Day worked best for everyone, and with the timing, a "back to school" theme was natural. People wore their private school outfits with the plaid skirts, letter jackets, even graduation gowns, as well as the bridesmaid and prom dresses appropriate for any Mothball.

More images...

A few months ago, I was talking to a female friend who had just purchased a bridesmaid's dress at considerable expense. She commented how much she disliked the color and thus expected never to wear it again. And at that moment I had the idea: to throw a party for guests to showcase the bridesmaid's dresses and other ugly outfits they would otherwise never wear again.

For inclusivity, the idea expanded to encompass any outfits worn in years past, which the owner would either never otherwise choose to wear or never have the opportunity - high school prom dresses, first interview suits, college tuxes and sorority party gowns, and more. The name "Mothball" was perfect, and last Saturday over 100 people filled my apartment with a dazzling array of outfits, from formal dresses to high school baseball uniforms, medical scrubs, high school goth attire, and customes of flamenco dancers, sailors, and more.