Boulder, Colorado, is known for its innovative and eco-conscious spirit. Each year, CU Boulder hosts an event that perfectly embodies our city’s environmental values: Trash the Runway. This beloved fashion show combines ecological awareness, creativity, and youth empowerment to celebrate sustainable design. Each year, Trash the Runway challenges middle and high school students to craft high-fashion outfits entirely from discarded and recycled materials, turning what was once trash into stunning works of wearable art. This year, the event will be held on February 27th at Macky Auditorium. Interested in attending? Here’s what you need to know:
The History Behind Trash the Runway
This eagerly anticipated event is organized by the Creative Lab at Common Threads Boulder, a local consignment boutique. Participants are given two months to design and construct their garments, often working with unconventional materials such as cassette tapes, old magazines, packaging materials, bike tires, and soda can tabs. The result is a jaw-dropping display of ingenuity and craftsmanship, highlighting the potential of creatively and positively reusing waste.
Trash the Runway is more than just a fashion show: it’s an educational initiative. Students in the program learn valuable design, construction, and problem-solving skills while exploring the importance of sustainability. By repurposing items destined for landfills, these young designers gain a deeper understanding of environmental issues and the role each of us can play in reducing waste. The program inspires participants and the audience to rethink their consumption habits and consider how everyday objects can be reused unexpectedly.
The runway show is a high-energy event filled with excitement, music, and applause. Each designer can showcase their creations on the runway, explain their inspiration, and share the story behind their materials. Local judges, often experts in fashion, sustainability, and design, evaluate the garments based on creativity, craftsmanship, and adherence to the theme of reuse.
Trash the Runway has become a cherished Boulder tradition. It draws together community members, local businesses, and environmental advocates to celebrate innovation and sustainability. The event highlights young designers’ talents and raises awareness about the pressing need to address waste and embrace sustainable practices.
As Boulder continues to champion eco-friendly initiatives, this event is a shining example of how creativity and environmentalism can intersect to inspire meaningful change, one piece of upcycled fashion at a time. Tickets are available here. Trash the Runway also accepts donations, which will go towards scholarships for students needing financial assistance. You can find the donation page here if you’d like to contribute. I hope to see you there!
PHOTO CREDIT: AMANDA TIPTON VIA TRASH THE RUNWAY