Artists turn trash into fashion at 'Trashion' show

Models hit the runway in everything from plastic bags to hula hoops Sunday at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater.

Fashion fans across Bloomington gathered at 7 p.m. in the Buskirk-Chumley to watch the fifth annual Trashion/Refashion Show, a fundraiser for the Center for Sustainable Living sponsored by Discardia and the Center for Sustainable Living.

People of all ages gathered to share their works of art and bring creativity and community together as one.

The community fashion show is intended to provide local designers a chance to share their designs, but it is also meant to raise environmental awareness, promote diversity in the community and encourage people to think about new ways to reuse materials and reduce waste, according to the press release.

Trashion Refashion’s founder, Jeanne Leimkuhler, said in a press release she started the fashion show to serve as a medium of communication for self-proclaimed and professional designers, as well as to change beliefs and behaviors about the role clothing plays in everyday life.

The event consisted of two segments, one featuring “re-fashion” designs and the other featuring “trashion” designs.

The re-fashion designs were created using old or discarded clothing items, whereas the trashion designs were created from recycled materials other than
fabric.

The re-fashions ranged from a flowing white high-low gown to a Christmas tree-inspired dress to jackets crafted of several various colors and fabrics.

Empty IV bags, smoke bombs and soda pop tabs were just a few of the many unconventional materials used in the trashion portion of the show.

“This is my first design ever,” Bedford resident Kara Ratcliff said of her dress, constructed of an old Twister game mat. “I walked in the event last year, and I decided to do my own thing this year.”

Ratcliff said she supports the underlying message of the show.

“I like the whole theme of the show because it takes trash and creates art,” she said. “I will hopefully do it again next year.”

During intermission, a “Trashion-Off” competition occurred. Two teams came together to create an outfit made entirely of recycled materials. The teams had to work quickly to complete their look within the time limit.

The audience was able to participate as well, cheering loudly for the team they believed had created the best look.

This year’s show also had performances by performers such as Jefferson Street Parade Band, acrobatics group Flight Club and dance group the Hudsucker
Posse.

Combining music, acrobatics and dance, unconventional clothing and an elaborate backdrop and lighting, the show mixed entertainment with a bigger
message about living a more environmentally conscious lifestyle.

“I thought the style of the show was really cool, unlike anything I’ve ever seen,” said freshman Sara Boyle, who attended the fashion show. “I like how local it is. It had a very community feel. I appreciated the fact that it was more of a performance. It made it fun and interesting to see.”

As Master of Ceremonies Yael Ksander said, “One person’s trash is another person’s treasure.”

The wide variety of materials and designs made for a diverse show.

“I am most proud of my committee,” Event Director Tara Jones said. “They have been so helpful in putting together such a vibrant event.”