This year I had the opportunity to attend Trash 2 Trends, a yearly fundraiser for the nonprofit organization Keep Orlando Beautiful. The purpose of this fundraiser is to educate attendees about the seemingly limitless possibilities of materials that many consider trash. In addition, all proceeds from the event are then put directly back into the nonprofit side where the funds are used to purchase required outreach event materials to ensure volunteer safety, impactful changes, and overall community engagement.
Trash 2 Trends comprised 35 designers who created dresses/garments from all upcycled/recycled materials. The dresses are then showcased in a fashion show type environment at the event. The event also includes judges who crown 5 dresses winners based on 5 different categories. The event is graciously presented by SeaWorld Orlando where where over 500+ attendees enjoy drinks and food, live interest pieces before the runway show, photo opportunities, eye popping designs and much more!
What an amazing event it was! We were lucky enough to be seated right at the end of the runway with an AMAZING view of all the creations. It was incredible all of the outfits that the designers were able to create from items that most people would think of as trash.
After all of the designs had been presented there was a brief intermission. During this time the judges made their decisions on the awards being given out and the attendees had the opportunity to check out the designs up close and speak with the designers. They also had a fun People’s Choice award. Each model held a bag and the three that collected the most donations were brought back up on stage and voted on by the attendees. Fun huh?
Picking a favorite was damn near impossible as all the designs were so beautiful. But I have to say that my favorite ended up being Love Conquers Hate by Meaghan Moreno. Her design paid tribute to those lives lost during the Pulse attack here in Orlando over the summer. In addition to being visually stunning, the feathers with all the victims names on them pushed the whole design over the top for me.
I enjoyed this event so much and will definitely be attending next year. It was such an inspiring and fun event to attend and it benefited a great cause. Thanks so much to Keep Orlando Beautiful for inviting me!
*Disclosure: I was provided complimentary tickets for this event. As always, all thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.Â
