Amidst the racks of secondhand treasures lies a gem that could only be described as a stroke of fashion luck – a Chicago woman stumbled upon an iconic wedding gown from “Sex and the City” at her local Goodwill for a mere $18.99. The story of this incredible find, later sold for thousands, has taken social media by storm.
While the gown wasn’t the one worn down the aisle in the film, it was the same couture dress, named “Eleanor” and designed by Vera Wang, that Carrie Bradshaw wore during a bridal photoshoot for Vogue in the first “Sex and the City” movie. Poshmark reseller Ashley Cano snagged the gown at Goodwill and sold it to real-life bride Sophia Corin Merlino for $2,750 – a significant increase from its thrifted price.
Cano’s TikTok reaction to the find, in which she exclaimed “Vera freaking Wang,” quickly went viral, turning her unexpected Goodwill discovery into a pop culture sensation. Seeking advice on how to best sell the dress, she turned to social media for guidance.
In a follow-up video on TikTok, Cano expressed astonishment at the influx of inquiries she received, particularly from Chicago brides. She navigated the sudden surge in interest with grace, ensuring safety measures were in place for potential dress try-ons.
Eventually, Merlino became the proud owner of the Vera Wang gown and, nearly a year later, walked down the aisle at the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens in Miami on February 13. Making minor alterations to the dress, she made it uniquely her own for her special day.
Merlino’s wedding day attire, a runway-worthy Vera Wang creation, was shared with the world on Instagram, showcasing the stunning gown found at a bargain price. This thrift-to-wedding-day journey serves as a delightful reminder of the joy of thrifting for both fashion enthusiasts and treasure hunters alike. While not every thrift store visit results in a Hollywood-worthy discovery, the thrill of finding a hidden gem remains a cherished aspect of the shopping experience.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.