Trash 2 Trends Application Rules

Why Participate?

• Express your talent through a unique design with purpose. 
• Expose your design and talent to hundreds of other artists, designers, magazines, media, art museums, and more.
• Support Keep Orlando Beautiful, sustainability in our community, and local art and design.  Be part of something incredible, forward-thinking, and unique.
• Have a fun experience and meet many other likeminded artists.

How it Works

• Read these guidelines carefully and submit your application and sketch.
• One design per designer may be submitted.
• You are responsible for finding a model to showcase your design at the event. You may model your own design if you choose.
• Designers and models MUST BE 18 years old or older. No pets or children are permitted.
• You will be notified shortly after the application due date to let you know if you will be part of the show in 2024.

The Rules

• Materials in your design must only be items headed to the landfill (or recycling facility) or that have served their purpose and reached the end of their life. Think outside the bin! What do you see that has a short life or one-time use? Using different or unusual materials will make your design stand out.
• Your design can be wearable art and/or ready to wear (either way, your model must be able to travel down the runway in your design).
• No raw materials, fabric or muslin may be used.
• No added glitter to designs, to help minimize microplastics. Waste materials with pre-existing glitter are allowed.
• Exemptions for undergarments and shoes
• Materials can be written on, printed on, dyed, and manipulated.
• Zippers, button, and fasteners are permitted.
• Your design should include some sort of sustainable message or simply use waste in an innovative way.  Get your inspiration from anything you desire and tell an interesting story.
• Your application must include a list of ALL materials you plan to use, how you plan to construct the piece, and a sketch of your design.

Important Tips

• The materials you choose should be unique and/or if common, manipulated in a sense so that they are unrecognizable.
• The more unusual materials and construction technique, the better.
• Designs are not limited to gowns only – all forms of wearable art are encouraged!
• Try to utilize items that are not easily recycled or are single use, highlighting their contribution to the waste stream.
• Make your design thought provoking and engaging. Use your art to inspire ACTION to protect our local environment.
• Have fun! Be wildly creative.