Annual Affordable Fashion Challenge
The Affordable Fashion Challenge represents an opportunity for promoting the reuse of textiles and materials as a way to reduce waste and preserve natural resources, all while encouraging creativity and thriftiness in fashion! Learning about affordable fashion and interior design is a must from an economic standpoint. Create trendy fashions for pennies on the dollar by recycling fabric into fashions and at the same time helping to preserve our environment!
We invite all community members to join in the creative process, giving our sustainable fashion project four age categories:
- 12 and under
- 13 through high school seniors
- college students
- community members
Rules
The Affordable Fashion Challenge encourages participants at each age level to evaluate the effects they have on our environment and brainstorm creative ways to combine fabulous fashions, both apparel items and interior items, with the sustainability of recycled textiles and accessories. Begin by visiting your local thrift shops (Goodwill, BroMenn Thrift Shop, Mission Mart, etc.) or garage sales to find used clothing and materials.
There will be one prize awarded in each age category. Each participant is encouraged to create a new fashion piece from the used fabric. This can be utilizing fabrics that were found, or by deconstructing a used piece of clothing to create a new design. Pre-used fabric can include items like shower curtains, drapes, curtains, etc. Sewing is not necessary as long as another artistic skill (such as painting, beading, etc) is featured primarily. Workshops will be held throughout the community to demonstrate various artistic techniques and provide inspiration, etc.
For Interior Design
There will be one grand prize awarded in this division; however all age levels are encouraged to participate; showing their unique talent for designing home interior fashions. This could be a drapery and carpet set, a slip cover for a couch, a rug, a bed sheet and comforter set, a table
setting with tablecloth, a new lampshade. Whether a pre-teen making their own unique statement with the room or a homeowner redecorating a basement —the sky is the limit. Remember, the main piece must be recycled and overhauled (additions made with paint, sewing, etc).
Jewelry/ Accessories
The rules for jewelry and accessories are very similar to the above ones for interior design. The main part of the jewelry and/or accessories must come from recycled or reused items. This could also include any old broken jewelry that was combined with other items to create something new. There will be one grand prize awarded in this category and the items will be on display during the show.
Criteria
Entries must be able to be worn or used in the home, according to the category of entry. The main part(s) of the entry MUST include pre-worn/used material. While paint, ribbons, beads, etc. may be purchased, they must figure into the total cost of the entry. All expenses must be accounted for. We will be looking for best overall environmental and economic value.
Interior design pieces/Jewelry will also be displayed at the Wellness Expo. If it is impractical to bring your entry with you, we can work out an alternative presentation format.
Cash prizes will be distributed to the winner of each category. Additional awards for best use of resources, most unique, etc. will be awarded. Entrant must be present to win.
Registration
For more information on upcoming dates, or questions about this project, call (309) 454-3169 or send us an email by clicking here.
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