Pop legend Cyndi Lauper has announced a unique “closet clean out” event that will give fans the rare chance to own pieces from her wardrobe — all in support of charity. The ‘80s icon is opening up her closet for a pop-up sale in New York City where fans can shop clothing from her personal collection, including stage costumes and streetwear, with net proceeds going to the Girls Just Want to Have Fundamental Rights Fund at the Tides Foundation.
The event took place on 20 and 21 January 2026 at 192 Orchard Street, promised a “treasure trove of designer gems, stage and street wear, and many new or unworn pieces pulled straight from Cyndi’s closet,” according to Lauper’s social media announcement.
@cvazzana Which piece is your favorite???💞🛍️🎤🌟 #nyc #samplesale #cyndilauper #moschino #closetsale ♬ Girls Just Want to Have Fun (12" Version) - Cyndi Lauper
All sales from the pop-up benefit the Girls Just Want to Have Fundamental Rights Fund, which Lauper co-founded in 2022 to support women’s rights and health projects. The fund, held at the Tides Foundation, directs resources toward organisations working to improve access to reproductive care, gender equity and women’s wellbeing.
This isn’t Lauper’s first venture into combining creativity with activism. She also co-founded True Colors United in 2008, a charity that works to address homelessness among LGBTQ+ youth — a community disproportionately affected by housing insecurity.
Lauper’s wardrobe has been almost as influential as her music. From her breakthrough in 1983 with She’s So Unusual and the smash hit Girls Just Want to Have Fun, Lauper’s bold, colourful style became inseparable from her public persona. Her costumes were playful, unpredictable and unapologetically expressive — reflecting the infectious energy of her music and the exuberance of ‘80s pop culture.
@cyndilauper Oh, we’re #trending? 💁♀️😃📈 #girlsjustwanttohavefun #cyndilauper #80smusic #fathersday #duetme ♬ Girls Just Want to Have Fun - Cyndi Lauper
Unlike many artists of her era, Lauper didn’t just wear clothes — she curated looks that communicated a message. Her fashion choices often mixed bright colours, eclectic patterns and DIY accessories, making her a standout on MTV and early music video playlists. This aesthetic was not only instantly recognisable but also deeply influential, inspiring generations of performers and fashion fans alike. Lauper’s influence on style was so pervasive that artists today still reference her fearless combinations and signature wigs.
Lauper’s approach to style wasn’t just about spectacle. It was rooted in authenticity and individuality — a philosophy that mirrored her lyrics about self-expression and personal freedom. In live performances her outfits became part of the show, building a visual world that audiences could step into as easily as they could sing along to her hits.
Even today, Lauper remains a figure of stylistic relevance. In recent years she has turned up at major fashion events — including New York Fashion Week — in bold, contemporary looks that nod to her signature ‘80s palette and fearless attitude.
The closet sale goes beyond personal memorabilia; it offers fans a chance to own a piece of pop history while contributing to important causes. Given Lauper’s advocacy and creative legacy, the event is both a celebration of her influence and a continuation of her lifelong commitment to activism.
The sale comes on the heels of her Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction and ahead of her first Las Vegas residency, cementing 2026 as another milestone year in a career defined by originality, bravery and enduring cultural impact.
