Designs Made From "Trash" Enlighten Crowd of 400

The Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County (SWANCC) presented its sixth Trashy Fashion Show on Thursday, November 15, 2012, in recognition of America Recycles Day. This fun and inspirational community-based program showcased 39 outfits, representing over 50 designers. 

Ninety percent of each outfit was made with items destined for the trash can - or recycling bin to include: old chef coats, t-shirts, prom dresses, Halloween costumes, blue jeans, graduation gowns, candy wrappers, packaging materials, all types of paper, dog and pig food bags, shopping and grocery bags, pop tabs, tile samples, old VHS tapes and even a worn-out umbrella.
 
As a new element this year, designers were asked to make an outfit to fit a movie theme. Designs included creations depicting characters from The Hunger Games, Annie, Harry Potter, Cinderella, Gone with the Wind, Black Swan, Singing in the Rain, and many more.

This community-based project encompasses students and residents from the following SWANCC communities: Arlington Heights, Barrington, Evanston, Glenview, Lincolnwood, Morton Grove, Palatine, Park Ridge, Skokie and Wheeling.

"This once-a-year-show gives individuals of any age a reason to celebrate reuse by creating a high-quality, one-of-a-kind work of wearable art, which is a testament to being resourceful and respectful by utilizing existing resources,” states Mary Allen, SWANCC Recycling and Education Director.

For other SWANCC programs visit swancc.org.