Runway Trashion: Aveda Institute hosts 8th annual sustainable fashion show

AUGUSTA Maine (WABI) – Students at Augusta’s Aveda Institute Maine proved runway fashion doesn’t need to break the bank or harm the environment with their 8th annual Trashion Show Thursday.

“We really try to get the students to really get hands-on, but it’s really all about recycling,” said Anthony Coco, president and owner of the beauty school.

Under the theme “Maine Forests,” students foraged outside and in their own homes to see what they could recycle to bring their designs to life. Soda cans, chip bags, newspapers, bedsheets, a chandelier, and moss were just some of the materials used in construction.

The Aveda Institute’s Trashion Show is in partnership with Natural Resources Council of Maine, with students working throughout the year on their designs and fundraising for the show.

“This year, like last year, we raised $7,500,” explained Coco. “So that brings us to a total of $30,000 we’ve raised for Earth Day and the money going to the Natural Resources Council of Maine.”

Not only does the council receive the money to continue their mission in conserving the state’s environment, but some representatives get the chance to be a judge for the Trashion Show!

Beth Comeau, Natural Resources Council of Maine’s Communication Director, describes the event as a fun and creative way to spread awareness of the importance of sustainability.

“Fashion does not have to be fast fashion that you’ve taken and use brand new materials,” said Comeau. “I hope this inspires the audience and the students to really think about being more sustainable in everything they do.”

Not only does eliminating consumption of fast fashion lessen the environmental impact, but Aveda student Sarai Palmer points out the humanitarian side of recyclable clothing.

“So many kids and other people that are being used in that type of situation,” Palmer commented. “Where, instead of doing that, we can reuse all the stuff that we have already, saving the planet. I think there are a lot of ways that we can give back to the planet and our society.”

Coco says the Trashion Show is just one the ways Aveda Institute Maine is planning on celebrating Earth Day.

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