By Brittany Gauthier, reSET Community Developer

The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that 75% of the American waste stream is recyclable, but we only recycle about 30% of it. Imagine the things we could do with all of that recycled material…

Art entrepreneur and member of reSET, Amy Merli, had a vision, and 6 years ago she brought that idea to fruition. Amy took her passion for fashion, art, and of course, environmental sustainability, and decided to blend them all together to create what is known today as The Trashion Fashion Show. That’s right, a fashion show where over 90% of the design must be from recycled materials. A Runway filled with bright and unique pieces made primarily from trash? Yes, please! 

As an individual that shares many of the same passions as Amy, I was excited when my friend asked me to go to the model call this year. I mean, every girl dreams of having the opportunity to walk down a runway as a model in a fashion show. To have the opportunity to wear a dress that was unique and beautiful in a show that was created to encourage body positivity, environmental sustainability and art, was a truly incredible experience. It’s all the things I love rolled into one. You know, like the first bite of your favorite meal at your favorite restaurant.

The dress I wore was made entirely out of Coca-Cola soda can boxes. It had an extravagant high neck design and was a huge hit on the runway. The dress was designed by the genius, Carmen Bermudez, who has had her designs featured all over the world. She has boxes of recycled materials at her house that she uses to create unique and beautiful dresses/costumes. Carmen was inspired to participate in The Trashion Fashion Show when she realized how much recycling she had accumulated as a consumer.

The experience I had with the Trashion Fashion Show was moving on so many levels. I feel lucky to have been a part of this important event. Congratulations to all of the designers, models, and of course the Trashion Fashion team! To find ways to get involved, please visit www.trashionfashion.org.