Recycle The Runway July 29th And 30th July

Covid lockdowns have not stopped keen designers from creating fashion pieces for Recycle the Runway, a new charity event coming to Rotorua in July.

In fact, lockdown has allowed some of the entrants to expand their designs and create multiple entries.

“We have entrants from across the region that have entered in multiple categories of the event”, says Dress for Success president Michelle Pleydell. “We see so many donated second-hand garments that could be given a second life, and this is a fabulous way to keep garments out of our landfill, and at the same time enable inspiring designers and fashionistas to show off their talents.

“We have designers as young as ten entering, as well as dressmakers and those looking towards fashion as a career, it is so exciting to see such enthusiasm for sustainability and wonderful creativity in our community. We can’t wait to see these creations come to life,” says Pleydell.

One category is a landfill challenge. “With landfills being closed to the public, this has been a little more difficult for the designers to navigate, however with restrictions having eased and foraging becoming a skill for some of the designers, this promises to be an interesting category”.

The Landfill Challenge Category is sponsored by Vanish and will save unloved items discarded in general landfill waste, bring them back to life with Vanish products and, through the designer’s creativity, repurpose them into items of their choice. The ‘Live for Longer’ statement could not be more true in this category, where one person’s trash really could become another person’s treasure.

Commenting on the partnership, Vanish spokesperson Rachel Bainbridge says: “We’re proud to support Dress For Success and its Recycle the Runway Fashion Show – an initiative that encourages people to embrace sustainable consumption, while also promoting the value and positive impact preloved clothing can have on someone’s life.

“We believe that with the right care, clothes can live many lives, and are on a mission to raise awareness of the impact fast fashion is having on our planet. It’s through initiatives like these that we can help encourage Kiwis to do the right thing, arming them with the knowledge and tools they need to love their clothes for longer, ultimately reducing what ends up in landfill,” says Bainbridge.

Initially scheduled for late 2021, Recycle the Runway will take place on the 29th and 30th of July in Rotorua. Recycle the Runway will focus on recycling pre-loved clothing items to re-create new designs for everyday and special events.

The event will be curated and run by the Miss Rotorua pageant team and promises to be a spectacular night of fashion, light and sound. “Kharl WiRepa and the team are professionals at designing a great fashion show, and we are excited to be working with them to bring contestants’ creations to life,” says Pleydell.

Proceeds will go to Dress for Success Bay of Plenty to continue assisting clients reach their potential and gain sustainable employment.

“Our focus at Dress for Success is on assisting clients reach their potential, gain confidence, and enable them to develop their skills. We hope this fundraiser will showcase the wonderful talent we have across Rotorua and help aspiring people in our community move towards an exciting future.”

The event will cover six categories of fashion; street wear, work wear, evening wear, wedding, an avant-garde section where design and creativity can really come alive. 

Recycle the Runway will be held over two nights at the Rydges Hotel, Tryon St, Rotorua, 29th & 30th July 2022. 

Tickets are now on sale and can be obtained through Eventbrite. 

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