By Andrea Fernandes
Associate Editor
Having a lot of junk in your trunk isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as the upcoming Trashion Fashion show will prove.
“Trashion Fashion is a combination of eco awareness and eco couture,” said Sean Conklin, assistant curator of the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts.
Conklin said many ways exist to reuse everyday items. Everyday items we think to throw away can be looked at as an artistic piece rather than something to be tossed in the garbage.
“I love DIY (do it yourself) projects, and it’s amazing what can be made with items like newspapers, coffee cups and plastic bags,” Conklin said. “The creativity last year was crazy. It was beyond what I expected.”
In previous Trashion Fashion shows, participants have been limitless in terms of the objects they use to create an outfit, Conklin said. He added that each year, the show gets bigger and better as the creativity improves.
“I’m always impressed with the use of textures and the items for each outfit,” Conklin said.
Conklin said that there will be a few twists and surprises to this year’s show. The outfits are advancing, and there’s rumor of designers creating layered outfits, so don’t be surprised if there’s an outfit under the first outfit displayed.
Participation is opened to the entire Bonaventure community and anyone in Olean or Allegany who wants to be part of the recycling experience.
Conklin shared that last year, designers who participated as high school students are now participating as freshmen here.
“We’ll also have a surprise guest judge,” Conklin said. “I won’t say who, but I know a lot of people will be very excited to see this person return.”
Javonna Simons, a junior journalism and mass communication and strategic communications and digital media major, said she enjoyed the show last year and is looking forward to seeing a new batch of creativity take the stage this year. Simons, a member of the Step Team, said the group also plans to take the stage with a special performance at this year’s show.
“I’m excited to perform and everyone on the team has been dying to do more performances,” Simons said. “This gives us an opportunity to show what we’re working on and is a good addition to the Trashion Fashion show overall.”
Simons believes the performance is a good way to keep the audience entertained from the beginning to the end of the show.
See how one person’s trash can be a designer’s treasure on March 16 at 7 p.m. in the Quick. The show is free, and doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Conklin said the audience will play a big role in the show overall, as it will help decide the next Trashion Fashion winner.
fernanal13@bonaventure.edu
