The Green Runway: Upcycled & Recycled Fashion Show aims to raise awareness of the environmental impact of the global fast fashion industry. The competition challenges participants to design and create original outfits using thrifted, reused, repurposed, natural, or other non-traditional materials. It celebrates creativity, sustainability, and innovative fashion design.

The Green Runway: Upcycled & Recycled Fashion Show is open to Northwest Missouri State University students, staff, and faculty. Entries can be prepared by individuals or teams of up to four members.

Tuesday, September 29 - 3:00 to 5:00 pm
"Fix it with Angela" (Assistance with light sewing)
Center for Engagement & Community Connection
2nd Floor, J. W. Jones Student Union

Wednesday, September 30 - 11:59 pm
‼️Registration Form due (REQUIRED for all participants)

Wednesday, October 14 - 3:00 to 5:00 pm
Rehearsal for models (J.W. Jones Student Union Ballroom)

Thursday, October 15 - 6:00 to 8:00 pm
Green Runway: Upcycled & Recycled Fashion Show
J.W. Jones Student Union Ballroom

Participants may enter the competition by creating an outfit in one of the categories below. Participants may enter more than one outfit, but an individual outfit can be entered in only one category.

1.  Upcycled Fashion: These outfits transform existing garments or textiles into a new design through significant alteration, reconstruction, or embellishment. Simply combining existing clothing pieces does not qualify.

2. Recycled Fashion: These outfits primarily incorporate recycled, salvaged, natural, or other non-traditional materials not typically used in garment production, such as items commonly found in recycling bins, trash cans, or nature. 

Judging will take place during the Green Runway: Upcycled & Recycled Fashion Show on October 15. Entries must be worn and modeled on the runway by the individual or a member of the team who created the outfit.  Entries will be judged only within the category in which they are entered. Judges will select one winner in each category. Additionally, event attendees will vote for one Audience Choice winner. 

Judging Criteria

• Sustainable use of upcycled, recycled, or non-traditional materials (30 points)

• Creativity and originality (25 points)

• Craftsmanship and construction (15 points)

• Overall visual impact (15 points)

• Connection to the category/theme (10 points)

• Runway presentation (5 points)

• TOTAL POSSIBLE POINTS (100 points)

General Rules

• Outfits and any accessories must be original creations constructed by the individual/team members listed on the entry form.

• Participants are responsible for transporting their outfits to and from the event.

• Outfits must demonstrate original craftsmanship.

• Outfits should allow the model to walk safely and comfortably on the runway.

• New materials used in outfits should be kept to a minimum but may include structural support, fasteners, and similar components when necessary.

• Outfits must be original designs and may not substantially replicate copyrighted costumes or commercially available designs.

• To be eligible for prizes, the individual/team must submit a Registration Form for each entry by September 30 and model the outfit during the Runway Show on October 15.

• Descriptions of outfits, including the primary materials used, where they were obtained, and how the design supports sustainability will be used by judges and event emcees during the runway show.

• Models and outfits may be photographed and recorded before, during, and after the Runway Show for promotional and educational purposes.

• Outfits must be appropriate for a university-sponsored public event and must not be excessively revealing. Outfits that do not meet these guidelines may be disqualified at the discretion of the event organizers.

Safety Considerations

• Outfits must be safe for both the model and audience.

• Outfits should not include sharp edges, exposed wire ends, broken glass, hazardous chemicals, flammable materials, or other features that may cause injury.

• Masks or headpieces should not significantly obstruct the model’s vision.

• Footwear must be secure and safe for walking.

• Judges and event organizers reserve the right to disqualify entries deemed unsafe.

Winners of the Recycled Fashion, Upcycled Fashion, and Audience Choice categories will receive $100 gift cards.

Winning outfits will be displayed in the Fine Arts Building (Olive DeLuce Art Gallery) October 16-31.