Fashion doesn’t have to be wasteful, and Trash the Runway proves it! This annual Boulder event has been inspiring young designers for 16 years, challenging teens to create stunning garments entirely from materials that would otherwise be thrown away.
As a stylist passionate about sustainability and mindful fashion, volunteering at this event is a dream: a chance to support teens in discovering their voice, their creativity, and their style, all while honoring the planet.
There’s a reason artists often say that limits spark creativity. In Trash the Runway, the “limit” is the material itself: trash. Plastic bags, bubble wrap, cereal boxes, or old signage, students transform these discarded items into runway-ready masterpieces. This boundary pushes them to think bigger, experiment boldly, and innovate in ways they might never have in a traditional design project. The result? jaw-dropping designs that are playful, clever, and full of personality.
This event aligns perfectly with my own values: fashion that’s intentional, creative, and sustainable. I’m endlessly admiring of the young designers’ courage and resourcefulness. It’s a reminder that style and sustainability can go hand in hand, and that limits can be the spark for something extraordinary.
Whether you’re a student ready to take on the challenge, a fashion enthusiast who wants to cheer from the audience, or someone who loves supporting creativity and sustainability, Trash the Runway is a chance to promote and celebrate imagination, bold ideas, and conscious fashion.
Join us and see what can happen when teens combine talent, values, and a little bit of “trash.”
Helene Cardon moved to the US from France over 10 years ago and lives near Boulder, Colorado. She is a body positive personal stylist & wardrobe consultant with a passion for slow fashion. Read about her style journey
She offers Wardrobe Edit Sessions and Sustainable Shopping Sessions to the women of the Boulder Area who want to refine their fashion sense, find new ways to pair their existing clothes, and shop intentionally - with a plan.