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Common Threads Creative Lab takes cycling to the next level with its program, Trash the Runway, a program designed to allow students to explore the world of sustainable fashion design. This year, the event was held at Mackie Hall in Boulder, Colorado to showcase all of the creative and earth-friendly looks of the season.
The program was created by the owner of Common Threads, Libby Alexander and Innovation Lab Advisor, Sarah Tracy. Common Threads, a boutique consignment shop in both Boulder and Denver, also hosts Creative Labs, a program for people of all ages to take lessons in sewing and fashion. It’s one of many workshops that Creative Lab hosts, but it’s limited to middle and high school students.
The first event was held in conjunction with the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art for Earth Day. It started with only 9-10 students and is growing in number every year. In the year In 2019, they officially renamed the program Trash the Runway and became a Colorado nonprofit corporation. The program is now launched and running Tanja LeonardFormer mother of dirt track designer.
The challenge is simple: design and create a head-to-toe outfit made entirely from trash. Designers collect materials throughout the year but are only given two months to put it all together. At the end of the process there is a runway show to commemorate their efforts and showcase their designs.
Designers have certain criteria for the materials they are allowed to use for their rooms. According to Leonard, the material can be used “if it is no longer fit for its original purpose and should be thrown in the trash.” In accordance with Boulder City rules, the item cannot be recycled or composted. Prohibited materials include duct tape, regular fabric, buttons and zippers. The only non-dirty things you can use are glue and thread.
The materials are decided only by the designer, but they must be “found” in their own home or through friends, they cannot be bought. If they need more specific material to work with, Leonard compiles the list and delivers it to those who request to collect the material. According to these guidelines, designers have no choice but to put enormous creativity and care into their designs to make them fashionable and functional.
They have to work around these issues and overcome challenges to make something wearable, Leonard said. “Every year designers blow my mind with their creativity, resilience and ability to overcome adversity.”
The program generates a large amount of local support from the community as it has a large audience and many sponsors. The community even confirmed that the show was held during the covid season.
“The local support has been fantastic, we couldn’t have done the show without it,” Leonard said.
Year after year, the airport show sold out at the Boulder Theater, so this year’s show was moved to McKee Hall. A total of 885 participants attended.
It has been demonstrated using materials such as coffee bags, tractor tire inner tubes, swimming caps, trampolines, butter wrappers, Whole Foods receipts and more. Although materials are limited, designers have created fun and fitted dresses, pants, hats, jackets and more in a variety of styles and colors. The clothes are so well made that they rival even the dirtiest clothes.
“It’s been amazing to watch them grow: in their sense of design, their creativity, their resilience, their talent and their stage presence,” Leonard said.
Many students who participate in the program return year after year and typically continue to study in a design-related field after graduation.
The collection from this year’s show is on display at the Museum of Natural History on the Colorado Boulder campus for the public to enjoy after the airport is closed. Check out the program to see more of this year’s designs Facebook And website.
All photography by Vicky Wong.
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