BLOOMINGTON — The call has gone out for designers and models ready to transform trash and old clothes into high-fashion statements. The 2026 Bloomington Trashion/Refashion Runway Show is now accepting submissions for designs, model applications, and volunteer requests for its 17th annual event.
The show, organized by the Center for Sustainable Living , aims to elevate sustainability into high fashion and inspire the community to reimagine the future of fashion and waste.
The Show and the Challenge
Set to dazzle the audience at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater on Sunday, April 12, 2026 , the Trashion/Refashion Show invites creators of all experience levels, from experienced designers to newcomers with a glue gun.
All submitted designs must be crafted from at least 90% previously owned materials and be transformed from their original state. Submissions are open now through Sunday, February 16, 2026.
The show features two main categories of sustainable design:
- Trashion Designs: These creations are born from unexpected waste items like old videotapes, venetian blinds, bottle caps, packing materials, and even disassembled furniture.
- Refashion Designs: This category focuses on reworking traditional fabrics and garments—such as graduation gowns, bridesmaid dresses, neckties, and scarves—into contemporary, wearable pieces.
Designers are encouraged to embrace the challenge of breathing new life into forgotten items and saving them from the landfill. Group submissions are welcome, and designs may incorporate elements from both Trashion and Refashion categories.
How to Participate
The deadline for design entries is Monday, February 16, 2026. All designs must be submitted through the EasyChair Submission Site. Designers will be notified of their submission status soon after the deadline, with accepted designs announced no later than March 9, 2026.
The show is also actively seeking aspiring models of all ages, sizes, and experience levels to help bring the new creations to life on the runway.
- Design Submissions: Access the EasyChair Submission Site at bloomingtontrashion.org.
- Model Applications: Complete the form available at https://forms.gle/nrh7FEg7ArZpiyfq8.
- Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteers—including planners, hair and makeup artists, and ushers—are needed to experience the show “behind the show”. Interested parties can complete the form at https://forms.gle/EnGY3gH92aoDFbKo8.
Founded in 2010 by artist Jeanne Leimkuhler , the Trashion/Refashion show unites the community in a shared vision of creativity and environmental responsibility, celebrating diversity with each step on the runway.
