fbpx

Recycle in Style

Couture fashion shows typically feature cutting-edge designs that are daring and innovative. But how often do such original style creations incorporate bottle caps, egg cartons and plastic bags?

For more than a decade, it’s been a yearly staple of the Recycled Fashion Show. On Nov. 17, the 12th annual event will feature couture designs made from recycled materials created by teen volunteers at Young at Art Museum in Davie.

The imaginative artistry of museum volunteers sparked the creation of the show, says Sue Aguilera, teaching coordinator at the YAA Institute. Volunteers create jewelry and trinkets from reused or recycled materials that are displayed in the museum’s recycling exhibit, which highlights environmental concerns through the craftsmanship of artists.

“Their creativity knew no bounds,” Aguilera says. “So we decided to show off what they could do.”
Teenagers, ages 13 to 18, research their designs, work with fashion designers and learn to sew high-concept dresses. The contestants’ creations are judged on representation of a chosen environmental issue, creativity and usage of recycled material, and adherence to the theme.

The theme for this year’s event is “Cosplay Couture Restyled.” Cosplay, a contraction of the words “costume play,” is the practice of dressing up as a character from a movie, book or video game. “They can show homage to their favorite characters, find someone who inspired them, or make up their own character to use as inspiration for their garment,” Aguilera says.

The fashion show supports YAA’s outreach initiatives—such as the Girls ’N Power program at PACE Center for Girls (Broward) in Wilton Manors, an alternative academic program for girls in middle and high school who may have suffered abuse or violence in the home. The Girls ’N Power program uses art such as digital photography to build self-esteem and critical thinking skills for at-risk girls. “It helps with self-expression, especially when they might not have much control in their lives,” Aguilera says. “It’s a cathartic way of making art.”

Students from the program also serve as volunteers to create designs highlighted in the fashion show, which will feature a recycled jewelry station and a nail art station.

“The fashion show not only raises awareness for all environmental issues, but it lights the fuse for creativity in our teens,” Aguilera says. “If they can make a dress out of bottle caps, they can conquer the world.”

Recycled Fashion Show
When: Friday, Nov. 17, 7 p.m.
Where: Young at Art Museum, 751 SW 121st Ave., Davie
Ticket price: $35
Contact: 954.424.0085; youngatartmuseum.org

You May Also Like
Editor’s Letter: Sweet Relief Is On the Way

The fall season also ushers in the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.

Read More
Kevin Gale
Angelo Elia’s Model for Success: Giving Back

Generosity is at the forefront of the chef’s enterprises.

Read More
Angelo Elia
Lavish and Lavara

The high-end interior design firm opens a new showroom in South Florida.

Read More
Lavara
Editor’s Letter: Everyone Under the Sun Starts With Stacy Ritter

Our September cover subject embodies her organization’s slogan.

Read More
Kevin Gale
Other Posts
CURIO at Faena Bazaar Hosts Annual Sale

The retailer caters to small independent brands as well as well-known designers.

Read More
Faena Bazaar
Discover the Epitome of Modern Luxury Living in Harbour Inlet

The residence was built by the renowned Robert Garza and designed by Bruce Celenski.

Read More
Harbour Inlet
Vita at Grove Isle in Coconut Grove Tops Off Construction

The residences will be priced from about $6 million, with penthouses priced from about $19.5 million.

Read More
Vita Grove Isle