An evening of “eco-conscious creativity” recently took place at the Fishermen’s Pavilion at Zuanich Point Park and featured a variety of upcycled runway looks. The fifth annual Trashion Show on Friday, June 7 benefited Habitat for Humanity in Whatcom County.
The winning look was Flower Ties, designed by Nancy Watts and modeled by Lucy Kanov. Eco Rockstar, designed by Tammy Walker and modeled by Blake Rawlins, was runner-up. Dre Schoenberg’s Gyre Fairy Dress, modeled by Jazzy Culbertson, was awarded both People’s Choice and Best Model.
Below is a glimpse at the evening’s standout designs, as well as the story behind them. For more information about the Trashion Show and Habitat for Humanity, visit hfhwhatcom.org.
Bellingham Blooms
Designer: Emma Donohew
Model: Valarie Stephens
This rainbow floral gown was designed by Emma Donohew, pastor at Echoes, and made from upcycled hymnals and hymn sheets. Echoes was founded at Bellingham Pride in 2013 and “promotes wholeness, practices radical welcome, and fosters relationship with each other, our neighbors and our natural home.”
Blue Rose of the Phantomhives
Designer: Vy Nguyen-Vo
Model: Vy Nguyen-Vo
This androgynous Regency/Victorian-era piece features an upcycled blue and white plastic tablecloth exterior, with cardboard supporting the tailcoat and hat. A pillowcase was also upcycled into the blouse.
Miss Doilie, Manhattan Skyline and Flower Ties
Designer: Nancy Watts
Models: Linnaea Borris (Miss Doilie), Sage Maden (Manhattan Skyline) and Lucy Kanov (Flower Ties)
Two of Nancy Watts’ three designs were made from ties. Lucy Kanov’s outfit, Flower Ties, was the night’s winning outfit. Manhattan Skyline was inspired by Watts’ daughter moving to Manhattan, and features “obsolete men’s business ties … transformed into an elegant women’s gown.” Miss Doilie is dedicated to Watts’ mother and features discarded doilies hand-sewn onto a bedsheet.
Fairy-osa: a Mad Max Design
Designer: Beverly Ott
Model: Sam Beardslee
Inspired by the movie “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga,” designer Beverly Ott crafted this steampunk-style dress from greenhouse glass, protective film and indoor/outdoor carpet remnants. The look was accessorized with used steampunk costume pieces destined for the trash.
Gyre Fairy Dress
Designer: Dre Schoenberg
Model: Jazzy Culbertson
Gyre Fairy Dress by Dre Schoenberg is made from plastic bottles, a lampshade, a chandelier and “miscellaneous recycled goodies.” Its name is inspired by ocean gyres, such as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, which are known to collect trash. The look was voted as the people’s choice of the night, and model Jazzy Culbertson was also voted best model.
Cocoa Laney is CDN’s lifestyle editor; reach her at cocoalaney@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 128.
