Haute couture fashionistas had nothing on three young woman selected as the winners of this year’s Chandler Trashion Fashion Show.
The dazzling array of garments made from recyclable materials was a huge hit with the crowds at Chandler Fashion Center on a recent Saturday morning when designers stepped out to model their unique creations.
This was the second year for the runway-style fashion event featuring original designs created from repurposed and discarded materials. Fifteen entries from 14 designers were judged for their creativity, design, craftsmanship and an environmental fact each contestant provided with their entry.
Designers could choose to wear their garment in the show, or select a model.
“We were very pleased with the quality of the fashions this year and the fantastic turnout for the show,” said Traci Conaway, Chandler’s recycling coordinator.
The city’s Solid Waste Services Division organizes the event and uses the show to heighten awareness of recycling and demonstrate multiple ways to incorporate recycling into daily life.
Entries were accepted in three categories: ages 10-13, 14-17 and 18 and over.
Holly Hoogstra took first place in the 10-13 age category, modeling the gown she made from a vinyl sheet from a Twister game. An accompanying purse was made from the game box and the headpiece from the game’s spinner wheel.
Kieren Haven designed the winning garment in the 14-17 category, which was modeled by friend Alexa Sanchez and made with a recycled bed sheet, VHS tape and used CDs.
The winner in the Adult (18+) category was Terrilynn Perry, who modeled a wedding gown made with 132 plastic garbage bags sewn to a paper and plastic disposable drop cloth.
An accompanying hairpiece was made from caution tape, wire hangers, PVC pipe, cardboard, aluminum cans and plastic containers.
