Last December Bend’s new performing arts complex, the Century Center, hosted one of the most forward thinking, eco friendly, community events Central Oregon has witnessed. Clad in everything from a school lunch boat mini skirt to a tailored gown of transformed ties, models graced the runway revealing what transpires when you combine creativity, a fashion sense sustainability. Audience members reconsidered the value of trash at the first Rubbish Renewed Eco Fashion Show.
This event quickly established that dressing green doesn’t necessarily mean boxy organic cotton. Bringing together the creative sensibilities of Bend’s diverse community from fashionistas environmentalist to educators artists, their combined passions moved from idealistic vision to Project Runway execution.
Rounding out this remarkable runway event were cocktails from Plum, Girl Beer brewed by Boneyard, cool music, a local artists’ gallery-style marketplace including the likes of Sara Bella Upcycled utilituSEW a silent auction highlighting the best eco-fashion. A fast-paced, live auction sold chic trash-fashion from fused plastic separates for $35 to a coat crafted from old tipi canvas with pictograph style designs by father/daughter team Bill Karen Holm for $2,450!
Not just the hippest event in town, this evening also raised funds for REALMS Charter Middle School Arts program. Amy Anderson, REALMS faculty one of the Rubbish Renewed founders shared, “This is an amazing event because it educates inspires people.”
The second annual Rubbish Renewed Eco Fashion Show is slated for Thursday, December 8 with two shows: 6:30pm 8:30pm at the Century Center. “I am so excited for this year’s event. It’s a fabulous way to be involved in our community, with kids, in art in caring for the environment,” said artist Sara Weiner of Sara Bella Upcycled.
New this year the event will celebrate audience members who participate by wearing trash-fashion or re-fashion. Wear your rubbish get rewarded with a free drink ticket! And of course the Femme Fatal will be highlighted on the runway, this year, on tap too.
Shows at 6:30pm (all ages), 8:30pm (21 & over) $10 adult/$6children. www.rubbishrenewed.com.