Eco-Fashion Takes Center Stage at Our "Sustainability Works!" Gala

At our recent Sustainability Works! Gala, eco-fashion took the spotlight as young visionaries and local designers showcased creative, sustainable styles in an inspiring eco-fashion show. The night celebrated innovative clothing that makes a statement for both fashion and the planet. Attendees were captivated by the fusion of art, sustainability, and self-expression on the runway.

The show began with students from Stillwater High School’s Sustainable Fashion Club. These young advocates modeled bold and inventive outfits that challenged traditional fashion norms. Each look embodied a commitment to sustainability through upcycled and second-hand materials.

• Ainsley Smith, the club's vice president, wore "Snacktastic Couture," an outfit crafted from upcycled snack bags by designer Nohemy Rodriguez. This vibrant look showed how often-discarded materials can be reimagined into wearable art, highlighting the environmental cost of snack bag waste.

• Dylan Riniker modeled a stylish Goodwill outfit featuring vintage black Levi jeans and a leopard-print belt, reminding everyone that thrifting is a fantastic way to stay trendy without creating more waste.

• Lilo Hill brought a shimmer to the runway with "Digital Download" by designer Anika Rychner, made from recycled CDs and vinyl records. Lilo's outfit was both striking and thought-provoking, showcasing the enduring environmental impact of media materials while embracing a fresh aesthetic.

These young changemakers proved that age is no barrier to making a difference. Through their sustainable looks, they’re showing their community how fashion can be fun, expressive, and impactful.

Local eco-friendly retailer TOXYFREE wowed with naturally dyed outfits that embodied simplicity and purity. The husband-and-wife cofounders graced the runway in 100% compostable shirts dyed with natural earth elements like turmeric and pomegranate skins. Their choice of regenerative organic cotton promotes healthy soil practices, further amplifying the environmental benefits.

TOXYFREE's ethos centers on creating fashion that's not just sustainable but health-enhancing. Behzad, another model for TOXYFREE, wore an outfit dyed with plants, so pure that it’s certified as an FDA Class 1 Medical Device. TOXYFREE’s designs showed that fashion can be both gentle on the earth and beneficial for our well-being.

Students from Stillwater’s Synergy Club brought an imaginative twist to the runway, incorporating themes from biodiversity to citizen science. Each model wore a piece that symbolized an environmental cause they’re passionate about, blending costume-making, upcycling, and sustainability.

• Kyara Ellis showcased her love for biodiversity with an upcycled vintage prom dress adorned with animal-inspired patches, a tribute to endangered species.

• Norah Letcher modeled a prom dress with an overlay made from recycled dryer sheets, bringing awareness to clean air initiatives with a cloud-inspired look.

• Isabelle Walmsley embraced her role as an environmental storyteller with a nature-inspired outfit, equipped with a Databot sensor to collect environmental data, a subtle nod to citizen science.

Each Synergy Club student not only modeled sustainable fashion but also embodied the causes they care about, creating a beautiful synergy between fashion, environmental awareness, and activism.

The White Bear Lake-based brand Park + Coop joined the gala to show off their practical and chic upcycled designs. Carmen Olsen donned "The Apron," a timeless piece crafted from upcycled denim, ideal for working and playing in sustainable style. Carmen’s mini apron is part of their Bridge + Tunnel bag system, which features modular components for maximum utility and style.

Joining Carmen was Cooper Olsen, wearing a mini apron designed for children, perfect for helping out in activities like gardening and crafting while protecting his clothes. Park + Coop’s designs served as a reminder that sustainable fashion can be practical, versatile, and suited to people of all ages.

Rounding off the runway, Mia and Ami Schakel, a mother-daughter duo from Sustainable Stillwater, shared outfits inspired by family traditions. Mia, only 8 years old, walked the runway in a dress passed down from her grandmother, made unique with glow-in-the-dark rickrack and buttons from her great-grandmother. Ami, who works with Sustainable Stillwater, wore a vintage pink lace coverall paired with jewelry and accessories passed down through generations. Their looks highlighted the beauty of keeping family memories alive through upcycled fashion.

From upcycled snack bags to plant-dyed fabrics, this eco-fashion show demonstrated the possibilities of sustainable design. Every piece on the runway was a call to rethink fashion: to consider how our choices affect the planet, to explore creative alternatives to fast fashion, and to embrace individuality through sustainable style. These models and designers aren’t just changing how we look at fashion; they’re changing how we care for our world.

Thank you to everyone who participated in and supported the Sustainability Works! Gala. Together, we’re moving towards a future where fashion works hand-in-hand with our planet, and we’re inspired to keep creating and living sustainably.