As I stepped into Sage Hill School’s Black Box theater, I was immediately struck by the energy and creativity that filled the room. I was there as a guest speaker for the school’s Reimagined Fashion Upcycling Club’s second annual fashion show, “Deja Vu Through the Decades.” The excitement was palpable, and as a sustainable fashion advocate, I felt inspired by and proud of these high school students who were pulling off a fashion show that honestly was better than some of the fashion shows I attended at Paris Fashion Week. Wow, it was impressive. I was also so honored to be there to share our aligned message with the crowd.
The show featured about 60 student models showcasing 80 pieces of ‘upcycled’ clothing, each piece a unique testament to the club’s commitment to sustainability. The theme of the show was a journey through fashion history, with each outfit representing a different decade from the 1960s to the early 2000s. It was a brilliant way to demonstrate how fashion can be both timeless and environmentally conscious.
Anna Yang and Sofia Jellen, the club’s co-presidents, were the driving forces behind this incredible event. Anna started the club in 2022 after being inspired by a summer course at the Parsons School of Design. Her passion for upcycling – transforming old clothes into new, stylish pieces – was infectious. Sofia, who joined as a vice president in the club’s first year and now co-leads with Anna, shared this enthusiasm. Their goal was clear: to promote sustainability and create a circular economy in fashion.
The club’s workshops, held three times a week, were a hive of activity where students with varying skill levels transformed donated clothes into fashion statements. From fabric painting to intricate sewing, each piece was a labor of love and creativity. The club wasn’t just about designing; it was about reimagining the future of the fashion industry and our planet.
The fashion show was more than just a display of talent; it was a powerful statement about the potential of sustainable fashion. The pieces were set to be sold at the Melrose Trading Post in Los Angeles, with proceeds going to Remake, a nonprofit advocating for fair pay and climate justice in the fashion industry. This added an extra layer of purpose to the event.
As I addressed the audience, I shared my journey from a fashion-obsessed teenager to a sustainable fashion content creator. I talked about the importance of questioning our consumption habits and the exciting possibilities that lie in sustainable technologies like 3D printed clothing. I emphasized how thrifting, donating, and upcycling are not just trends but essential practices for a sustainable future.
The highlight of my speech though was acknowledging the efforts of these students. They are not just the future of fashion; they are its present. Their work with the Reimagined Fashion Upcycling Club is a testament to the power of collective action and innovation.
As the show concluded, I felt a sense of pride and optimism. The Sage Hill Reimagined Fashion Show was more than just a display of fashion; it was a powerful statement on the potential of sustainable fashion. It was a reminder that the next generation is ready to lead the way in creating a more sustainable world, one outfit at a time.
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