La Joie de Vivre

Hosted by The RE Store, we attended the Trash Fashion Show last Saturday.

Here’s Jason Darling of the Bellingham store who told a sweet story of salvage and reuse, from the perspective of a door. I struggled to make good pictures – my camera didn’t adjust well to fast action and spotlights and flashes around us, so I don’t have a shot of Bray Hayden from the Seattle store. Thanks to both of them for all the hard work putting all the events together, including the Recycled Art Show.

Rayona Visqueen (aka Robin Worley, West Coast Queen of Recycled Fashion – I gave her the title) was the mistress of ceremonies in this trash creation by Anna Dicklhuber.

Those faux boas are made from some kind of paper or plastic trash  and so well done as to be totally disguised to look like feather and fiber.

By my count, this year’s show featured 38 looks, including Robin’s so there was a lot to see and enjoy. We went to the early show (’cause we’re early birds!) but next year, I may try to the second show so I hang out after and see the garments up close.

While I liked some of the over-the-top creations that showcase the actual trash prominently, I’m also a fan of garments that appear wearable.

My favorite example of the former was “Peace and Hope” by perennial favorite designer Chaco (also modeling).

These two couture looks by first-time designer Angelica Bari were stunning in person, especially with their simplicity. Both seemed wearable and she wore them well.

 

We were nearly half-way through the show before he audience really engaged in response to this patriotic trio by Ruby Re-Usable (aka Diane Kurzyna).

Modeled by Cleo Smith, the red number, Don’t Flip Your Lid, was constructed of kids’ cup lids from Red Robin. A Whiter Shade of Trash is a mixed component creation – I think those were tea bags or coffee filters in the bodice. Doggie Doo Blue is made of New York Times delivery bags. The other two models are both recycled artists – Laurette Chase has work in the RE Store show with me. And that statuesque dog walker is Stuart Gullstrand (yes, a guy) – he’s pulling a bag from his bodice to pick up his invisible pooch’s invisible poop.

Haute Cature was next and Peter’s favorite. Made of cat food trash by Kitty Litture and Juene K Reuse (aka Ann Gibson and Meredith Shanks – that’s Meredith in the photo), this dress had great sparkle and movement!

Royal Mail is the creation of Dress for the Evolution (aka Mary Welch), made from a mail bag from Great Britain (her tiara is a crown image cut from the bag).

In this rear view, model Taru is giving us a peak at her bloomers made from plastic trash. 

There were shoes from trash! This mirror-encrusted pair are also by Mary. Courtney Rondell used paper for hers.

This gown made from snack bags was another hit. Creative use of packaging + great design + serious sewing skills!

La Snackaracha, made by Lotta Rubbish (aka Nicola Griffin). Jennifer McPherson models.

Great use of plastic and deconstructed papasan chair in Carmen Miranda Design created and modeled by Remixa Plastique (Jen Girard).

Another creative use of recognizable elements was Orange White and Green with Envy by Allie Terrill (who also modeled). Notice the mesh produce bag and first class mail envelope!

Finally, I’ll leave you with this number – she looks like a goddess just risen from the sea and land. Who knew blue tarps and bubble wrap could be so grand? Pelagic in Blue and Green created and modeled by Lotta Rubbish (aka Nicola Griffin).

pelagic – of or relating to the sea

the sea – a place we should never see plastic

This entry was posted on Wednesday, April 20th, 2011 at 6:27 pm and is filed under Art, Fashion, Recycle. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.