Local fashion designers will be showing off their sustainable outfits at Habitat Whatcom’s 6th Annual Trashion Show on Saturday, May 3.
The event gives artists an opportunity to transform items that would usually end up in the landfill into unique clothing items, all while raising money for Habitat for Humanity.
Kelli Ratliff, the donor and events manager at Habitat Whatcom, said they’re working to make the event, held at the Bellingham Circus Guild, bigger than previous years.
“Last year we had an amazing turnout. We had about 130 guests,” Ratliff said. “We're going to have a stilter. We're going to have a performance on stage. We're just hoping to make it a little bit bigger and get the word out a little bit more.”
More than 1.5 million pounds of waste has been removed from Bellingham city property since May 2022. That much waste weighs about the same as six blue whales, the largest animal on Earth. The trashion show brings awareness to sustainability through the creative outlet of clothing.
“A lot of the things we use in everyday life end up going into the landfill,” Ratliff said. “The trashion show is a good way to showcase how you can use those recycled and/or items that would be otherwise discarded and make them into an everyday outfit.”
Ratliff said the event features a variety of styles from 15 to 16 designers.
“We had one that was made out of sheet music. It was a beautiful, colorful gown that was made out of sheet music that would have been discarded,” Ratliff said, referring to outfits from last year's show. “We had a full dress made out of pop can tabs. They're just so creative, and they never disappoint.”
Last year, the event raised $20,000. Their goal this year is to reach $25,000 to $30,000.
“All the funds will be used to help build affordable and sustainable homes in Whatcom County,” Ratliff said.
Showcasing these designs highlights the creativity of local artists while taking action to save the planet. To purchase tickets to attend the event or make a donation to support affordable housing, visit Habitat Whatcom’s website.
Sophia Raymond (she/her) is a city life reporter for The Front this quarter. She is a second-year news/editorial journalism major. When she’s not reporting, you can find her crafting, cooking and searching for new music to listen to. You can reach her at sophiaraymond.thefront@gmail.com.
