BLOOMINGTON — High fashion meets sustainability this April as the 17th Annual Trashion Refashion Runway Show returns to the historic Buskirk-Chumley Theater. Presented by Plato’s Closet, the juried event is scheduled for Sunday, April 12, 2026, at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30 p.m.
Since its debut in 2010, the show has become a staple of the Bloomington arts scene, challenging traditional standards of beauty and consumerism while promoting environmental stewardship.
Sustainability on the Stage
The runway will feature over 50 original designs, each required to consist of at least 90% discarded materials. The show is divided into two distinct categories:
- Trashion: Garments rescued directly from the waste stream.
- Refashion: Outfits transformed from underutilized or existing garments.
Beyond the clothes, the event emphasizes community representation. Organizers are committed to a diverse cast of models, celebrating various ages, races, genders, and body types.
Supporting Local Change
The show serves as a major fundraiser for the Center for Sustainable Living (CSL). For over 30 years, the CSL has spearheaded local projects focused on food security, renewable energy, and waste reduction. The non-profit currently supports more than 15 community-based initiatives, including:
- Bloomington Community Bike Project
- Solar Indiana Renewable Energy Network (SIREN)
- Monroe County Foster Closet
- Little Free Pantry Bloomington
Ticket Information
Tickets are currently available through the Buskirk-Chumley Theater box office or online.
| Ticket Type | Price |
| Advance Purchase | $22 |
| Day-of-Show | $24 |
| Children/Students | $10 |
The event is made possible through the support of local sponsors, including Plato’s Closet, Bikesmiths, Hickory Audiology, Friends of Gail Kincaid, Alibi Boutique, and Olympus Properties. For more details and updates, visit bloomingtontrashion.org.
