The Carterville High School 3D Sculpture class had the opportunity to attend the Fourth Annual Trash the Runway Competition in Marion on Friday, March 28.
Different groups were required to create an outfit out of recycled materials that coincides with this year’s theme, “Ball of Time.” Students began to prepare weeks in advance to create an elaborate outfit and a multitude of accessories. Not only were participants required to design and construct an outfit, but it was essential to collect materials they could use. This included scrap fabric, cardboard, soda cans, newspaper, trash bags, magazine paper, bottle caps, and much more.
“There are a lot of things that go into preparing for Trash the Runway. We have to come up with designs that fit the theme and then try and figure out what materials we have that would work best to bring the design to life,” said senior Chloe Wills.
Upon arrival to the competition, the groups of students competing were given the opportunity to participate in the Throwdown. This year’s Throwdown Challenge was to incorporate a clock into their outfit. Some students took the approach of creating a clock purse, while others created a pocket watch to fit their time period.
When approaching the Throwdown, junior Natalie Whitehead said, “We wanted to make something small with the materials we had. A pocket watch was just the first thing to come to mind.”
Once the contestant’s time limit was up to finish preparations, the runway walk portion of the competition began. One student from each group was required to model the outfit in front of the judges.
Chloe Wills and junior Chloe Busby received the Fashion Designer Award. For their dress they took inspiration from the 1800’s fashion trends using materials consisting of National Geographic Magazines, cardboard, and trash bags.
Senior Leina Jaimet, junior Nadia Maring, senior Molly Robertson, and junior Natalie Whitehead won first overall, winning the entire competition. The group also received the Teachers Choice Award for their elaborate dress. They based their dress on the 1700’s using materials such as scrap fabric, bags, cardboard, and soda cans.
They received a unique trophy passed around to the previous winners of the Trash the Runway Competition. Before returning the trophy the preceding year, the group will be able to add their own addition.
“It was a wonderful experience and I am so glad I got to participate in my senior year with all my friends!” expressed Jaimet.
Trash the Runway proved to be a success as Carterville High School won a multitude of awards including the Fashion Designer Award, Teachers Choice Award, and first place. Not only did the teams receive many awards, but it was a memorable and fun experience for the students that participated.
