Set your phasers to stunning! Texas Campaign for the Environment is taking fashion to another galaxy with the annual Trash Makeover Challenge, where designers transform discarded materials into runway-ready works of art. This year’s theme? “Cosmic Couture.”
We Are Austin host Trevor Scott welcomed Texas Campaign for the Environment Executive Director Brian Oakes for a celestial sneak peek at the creativity, competition, and environmental mission behind this one-of-a-kind Austin fashion show.
Watch the full video above for a preview, then get ready to see “Cosmic Couture” hit the runway!
We Are Austin host Trevor Scott welcomed Texas Campaign for the Environment Executive Director Brian Oakes for a celestial sneak peek at the creativity, competition, and environmental mission behind this one-of-a-kind Austin fashion show.
Turning trash into high fashion
The Trash Makeover Challenge asks participating designers to create looks using at least 90% discarded materials.
“It’s a great way for us to demonstrate to the community the power of recycling, upcycling, and really how to put something that was destined for the landfill back into use,” Oakes said.
And don’t expect your typical recycled craft project. Designers push those unconventional materials into the realm of high fashion.
“You’d be amazed at the things that designers find and are able to make material out of,” Oakes said.
Get ready for “Cosmic Couture”
This year’s “Cosmic Couture” theme invites designers to look to the stars for inspiration, and guests are encouraged to get in on the fun with their own outfits.
“I think we’ll see a lot of sparkle, a lot of bling,” Oakes said.
The competition features 22 design teams, all interpreting the celestial theme while meeting the event’s sustainability requirements.
Cosmic couture! Trash Makeover Challenge turns Austin’s waste into wearable art
Fashion with an environmental mission
Proceeds benefit Texas Campaign for the Environment and its work toward a cleaner, healthier Texas.
“We live in a very disposable society that’s full of single-use items that we use one time and throw away,” Oakes said.
The organization hopes the runway inspires guests to reconsider what they throw out and find creative opportunities to reuse everyday materials.
Trash Makeover Challenge takes place Saturday, Sept. 26. Individual tickets and a limited number of tables are still available at TrashMakeover.com.
Cosmic couture! Trash Makeover Challenge turns Austin’s waste into wearable art