‘Utilizing the things we already have’: Trash Makeover Challenge celebrates 15 years

AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas Campaign for the Environment took eco-fashion to another level at its 15th annual Trash Makeover Challenge on Saturday.

This year’s theme was quinceañera, and designers were challenged to create culturally inspired pieces influenced by the tradition. At the event, designers used discarded bottles, repurposed trash bags and more to showcase the innovation of repurposed materials transformed into glamorous outfits. 

KXAN’s Chief Meteorologist Nick Bannin also got the opportunity to emcee the fashion show.

Jeffery Jacoby, deputy director for TCE, said it’s an “opportunity to not only raise money for a good cause, which people love, but also it’s our opportunity to see the best of the best take 90%-plus recycled, reused or repurposed material and turn it into high-fashion.”

Designers in the past have used materials like over 900 Coca-Cola bottle caps to make a coat and over 600 fish scales made into a skirt, a press release said.

“[It’s] about ensuring that people understand that if we can make fashion -high-fashion- from our discarded bottles and trash bags … we as a society can do really a lot of good together by utilizing the things we already have,” Jacoby said. 

The event took place at the Texas Disposal Systems Wildlife Ranch & Pavilion. Proceeds from the event went towards TCE’s grassroots organizing for cleaner and healthier solutions for Texans.