Story by Kristin Breakell

Creativity and sustainable design collide again this year as design and merchandising students create garments for the CSU Recycled Fashion Show, which will be held on Thursday, Oct. 27.

The event is produced by the CSU chapter of Fashion Group International. Each year, the FGI executive board and students select a distinctive theme for the show. This year, the theme “Through the Looking Glass” will be apparent throughout the show and serves as a source of inspiration for the garment designs. “Through the Looking Glass” is also a reflection of the show’s close proximity to Halloween. Because the show will take place only four days before Halloween, guests are encouraged to attend the show in costume.

The show will feature more than 40 looks designed by students in AM 130 Design Foundations, a class taught by Professor Diane Sparks. The class assignment requires students to create garments using recycled materials that incorporate the elements and principles of design. Store-bought items may not be used in the designs.

The students are not required to know how to assemble garments using traditional sewn techniques. Instead, they are asked to use creative strategies to employ duct tape, hot glue and staples to mold the unconventional materials to three-dimensional forms for the human body.

The Recycled Fashion Show creates an exciting opportunity for students to learn about the fundamentals of garment design and gain awareness of the concept of sustainability in the fashion industry. It allows students to express their creativity and showcase their work in front of an audience.

The fashion show will take place at 7:30 p.m. Thursday in the Lory Student Center Ballroom. General admission is $10. Admission for students and children is $5.

The Department of Design and Merchandising is in the CSU’s College of Health and Human Sciences.