Haute mess: the fashion events that turn trash into treasure

The Sonoma Community Center invites aspiring designers to get involved in its Trashion Fashion events, including the splashy catwalk fashion show on April 2. 

The only rules: outfits must be made from materials that have been previously used, found at thrift stores, or rescued from the trash. Style, meet sustainability. 

Amateurs as well as professionals, whether individuals or groups, ages 9 and above are encouraged to enter. Deadlines to enter start March 1.

Prizes will be awarded in a variety of categories,  with entries featured in the 12th annual Trashion Fashion Show on Saturday, April 2, at the Sonoma Veterans Memorial Hall.  

“What’s great is that everyone’s interpretation of this creative challenge is different and celebrated,” says Creative  Programs Manager Eric Jackson. “It’s great to see retirees, school students, established local artists and home  crafters all showcased on the same stage. It’s truly a community affair.” 

In preparation for the main stage runaway show, kids ages 9-17 can enroll in the upcoming Trashion Fashion Design Class, beginning February 19, where students will be given tools, materials, and guidance to construct their own garment from unconventional materials from beginning to end. Enrollment in the class will also include the students’ registration fee.

There are other ways to participate. There is the opportunity to save a plastic Barbie doll  from the landfills by transforming it into an up-cycled showpiece. These new works of art will be featured in Gallery 212’s exhibit and silent auction, “BARBIE: Reclaimed & Reinvented.” 

Participants are encouraged to have fun and be inventive, using recycled materials and wholesome imagery. Mail-in Barbie entries will be accepted, meaning that almost anyone anywhere can participate.

Thanks in part to a partnership with Recology Sonoma Marin, free dolls are available on a first-come, first-serve basis at the Sonoma Community Center. Meanwhile, artists are encouraged to use their  own dolls if they have them. All Barbie creations will be auctioned off at the conclusion of Trashion Fashion, with proceeds benefiting the Community Center’s programs. 

The third event is for local dog owners interested in upcycling materials into fun costumes for their pooch: they  can enter the “Dogs on the Catwalk” Trashion Fashion contest. Judges will be on hand to award each four-legged  entry based on their participation at this beloved event, scheduled April 9 at the Sonoma Community Center.

Deadlines to enter the Trashion events start March 1st.  “March and April may seem far away, but now is the time to consider what’s in your trash and recycle bin,” Jackson continues.  “There are so many ways a person can participate – what will you make?”

For event entry forms, rules, and more information, visit TrashionFashionSonoma.org or call (707) 938-4626 x3, Monday through Friday 10:00AM-4:00PM.  All event entry fees go to supporting the Center’s arts and educational programming.  

Inside photo: Jeanette Tomany, Queen Corregate