Upcycled and Trash Fashion on the runway
designs by local designers and textile artists. Show begins promptly at 6pm. Free to the public and family-friendly
Saturday, August 17th 6pm sharp
298 Laurel St. Bellingham, WA
Program
Upcycled Ready-To-Wear
1. Suzanne Lundberg | The Goat’s Coat:
‘The Goatcci Revolution’ (17 Looks)
Wearable art and intentional chaos. A fusion of bright and bold patterns and textures.
2. Becka Viets | Hexagon Textiles
‘Market Fashion’ (8 Looks)
Naturally dyed upcycled clothing, including ice dye with natural dyes.
3. Elle Cartier
‘Beauty of Florals’ (10 Looks)
I’m inspired most specifically by water and the importance and waste of it. But on the surface, “Denim Waste” and the “Beauty of Florals” comes to mind for my collection as a whole. Each piece incorporates one or both concepts and all textiles were sourced from Ragfinery.
4. Cathi Aldrich | Ease Custom Haus
'Under the Quilt Top’ (2 Looks)
These two cuties are wearing complimentary clown suits made from unfinished plushy quilts sourced from Ragfinery. Whimsical, joyful, upcycled.
5. Siobhan Hopp
‘Stargazer’
Materials: cotton, linen, rayon. Fabric scrap, ink. Medium: hand-embroidered. Inspired by: I’m working through an injury right now that really limits my mobility. Usually in the summer I would go for long sunset walks to observe the beauty of day turning to night. But this summer I haven’t had the ability to do that most of the time, and i miss it greatly.
6. Oso Ghoffrani
‘Muralled-alls’
Overalls patterned from bedding duvet covers, and painted mural style inspired by this show., worn over a stained white t-shirt, improved by graffiti tag.
7. Ryan Hoekema
‘From Trash to Gas: Put a Patch on it’ (3 looks)
A striking ensemble that combines a pair of corduroy patchwork pants with a one-of-a-kind tie- dyed shirt from Bellingham's local favorite musical artist Willdabeast. The pants feature intricate stitching and earth-tone patches, exuding a unique style and craftsmanship with matching chest bag. This outfit is sure to take tattered and tossed-out to a treasured fashion.
A one-of-a-kind look featuring a pair of ripped jeans meticulously patched with various fabrics. This unique styling adds a touch of creativity and individuality to the outfit, making a bold fashion statement. Included is a blue hoodie adorned with a Beats Antique back patch with detailing of burgundy corduroy, blue, and plaid patches. The reverse tie-dye technique adds a modern twist to this outfit, paired with matching water bottle case. From trash to trendy.
This piece showcases a reimagined jacket featuring a mesmerizing indigo and purple silk lining that adds a touch of opulence and sophistication to the ensemble. The intricate craftsmanship and attention to detail exude elegance and style. Paired with tie pants adorned with hand-created quay patches and accessorized with a hat crafted by the renowned Carlos Santana, this outfit is a perfect blend of creativity, individuality, and high fashion sophisticated.
8. Sarah Godwin
"Romping Through the Fields of Summer”
This summertime favorite is crafted from a thrifted dress, scrap fabric, and a bicycle tire tube. Perfect for those afternoon romps in the fields of summertime dreams!
9. Celine Parton | Bonanza Crafts
Collection: ’Curiosity Saved’ (5 Looks)
Pieces of the Curiosity Saved collection by Bonanza Crafts showcase whimsical-nature-inspired looks, hand made from secondhand and vintage textiles. There is an emphasis on natural dyes made from food waste as well as cyanotype imprinted fabrics highlighting native plants from Whatcom county.
10. Suzanne Lundberg | The Goat’s Coat
Collection: ’Colony of Spoc’ (6 Looks)
A glimpse of future fashion. Inspired by science fiction cinema.
11. Becka Viets | Hexagon Textiles
‘Susan Pinafore Dress’ (7 Looks)
This dress honors my Aunt Susan who passed away days after the 2022 Upcycled Runway Show. She was a talented seamstress who loved to travel. These dresses were sewn on her Featherweight sewing machine. Self-drafted from classic designs, this Pinafore will be available in small drops in the future.
12. Madison Stump | The Stump of Approval
Collection: ’Beachin’ Lounge Wear’ (3 Looks)
Upcycled towel sets accessorized with bucket hats and scrunchies! You can go straight from the water to your wardrobe with these bold colors and retro designs! Madison enjoys exploring estate sales and thrift shops to find retro textiles, transforming them into one of a kind wearable art!
13. Nancy Watts
‘Retro Denim’
Irina is wearing pieced bits of jeans made into circle shirt and vintage crinoline bridal skirt underneath for fullness. Leftover denim seams make up the top. Tiny pieces make the necklace and earrings. Was going for a refined upcycled look from fifties which I think Irina elegantly portrays.
14. Julia Houle Designs
‘Tablecloths, Tapestries, and Throws’ (4 looks)
‘Friends Come in All Sizes’
Crafted from a vintage throw blanket, this thick and cozy hoodie brings a touch of childhood nostalgia with its charming teddy bear print. The ribbed cuffs and hem, repurposed from a light pink hoodie, add a snug and warm finish. Perfect for wrapping yourself in comfort and whimsy. ‘Lima Limon’
Whether you're gardening or brunching with friends, this versatile two-piece outfit has you covered. Featuring a vibrant lemon and lime checker pattern, it adds a cheerful touch to any occasion. The chore shorts come with deep front and back pockets for practicality and style. Crafted from a thrifted cotton tablecloth.
‘Sun, Moon, and Stars’
These wrap pants are made from a sleek black and ivory celestial tapestry adorned with sun, moon, and stars. Combining comfort and ease with contemporary style, this fit offers a look that’s both enchanting and modern.
‘Fleur Noire’
“Another comfortable take on a thrifted cotton blanket with an intriguing floral pattern.”
15. Suzanne Lundberg | The Goat’s Coat
‘Sea to Sky- Lines and Fish’ (7 Looks)
Linen, Cotton, and Flying Fish. Inspired by Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (N.S.E.A.)
16. Becka Viets | Hexagon Textiles
‘Neck Ties’ (3 Looks)
Post apocalyptic fashion made out of hundreds of neck ties.
Trashion
17. Cathi Aldrich | Ease Custom Haus
‘Brave Noise’
These malt bags once contained malted barley used to brew craft beer. These three looks represent waste in the brewing industry. Not only the physical waste, but the waste of talent and input from women and femmes in the industry. Together, we must make progress to solve these issues.
18. Nancy Watts
‘Air Mattress and Freezer Bag’
Elena is wearing a Coleman air mattress (unsalvageable too many holes) cut strategically into little leaves for bottom and drop waist top. Freezer bags give it some pizzazz. This was inspired by roaring 20s.
‘Old School’
Cori is wearing something dear to me as what do you do with hundreds of transparencies after retiring from teaching for 24 years. There are so many memories and lectures on this dress. They cannot be recycled so they were made into an Extreme A line with circles added for movement.
Hat and purse complete this piece.
19. Sarah Godwin
"Stormella's Revival”
Packing sheets of styrofoam, tangled fishing wire, outdated CD's, empty snack bags, and those curtains that just didn't go with your decor. Thought these were useless? Past serving their purpose? Think again! Sit back in awe as these items re-invent themselves into a piece worthy of the impressive presence of a Snow Queen.
20. Oso Ghoffrani
‘OVER-ALLS’
Constructed from a scrap piece of barrier wrap in the building industry.
21. Ryan Hoekema
‘Trash Won’t Be No Secret at the End of the Night’
This look is a bold and innovative ensemble that challenges traditional notions of fashion. The focal point of this look is a pair of thigh-high stockings crafted from upcycled trash bags, adding a unique and edgy twist. A corset made from single-use plastic, this ensemble combines sustainability with style, making a statement about the importance of eco-conscious fashion choices.
22. Brandi and Everly Hutton
‘Crowella’
Wings are constructed with burlap bags, broken broom handles, six pack rings, and shiny treasures. Head is made of junk mail, plastic spiral book spines, and six pack rings. Several old, half empty spray paint cans were donated to complete the look.
DESIGNERS:
Oso Ghoffrani
Oso grew up by the bay and in the foothills of Bellingham. Raised by unconventional parents at a time you could still climb the dump and resurrect anything you could pull from it, her blueprint for life began forming.
Some favorite memories are of those experiences, forming a deep concern for what happens to ever-growing mountains of garbage created by humans daily.
During Oso’s teens & early 20’s, she found sewing and designing with fabrics a natural direction to explore. Oso opened a marine canvas shop at 24, and has since carried those skills into re-deployable designs including: shelter design, aerospace products, van life soft goods, soft good product design for mt. biking, surf, ski, river rafting & outdoor sports industries, science related research products, furniture, apparel design importing from Nepal & Thailand, and a multitude of other projects. She finds inspiration in engineering & designing for function, multi-purpose, beautiful aesthetic, and responsible manufacturing.
This has all led her to still not know what she wants to do with her life, and might open a bakery specializing in croissants to think on it more, or continue escaping to the mountains, islands, and traveling near and far.
Oso currently has a home-based shop and is searching for the right space to open a workshop to teach and continue creative design work.
Julia Houle
Julia Houle is an engineer by trade and creative by heart. She decided to make Bellingham her permanent home in 2017 after graduating university and moving out west from her small town in Northern Michigan in search of work and grand adventures. She shares her laughs, her dreams, and her snacks with her rad husband, Greg, and their two border collie/husky mixes, Nuka and Bodhi.
In her free time she loves to draw, make prints, sew, and read, and moves her body by snowboarding, mountain biking, and running her pups on Galbraith. Julia loves learning, trying new mediums of art, and is passionate about the 4 R’s (reduce, reuse, recycle, refuse!)
Siobhan Hopp
My name is Siobhan, and I am part-time artist, part-time bakery worker who specializes in embroidery and block printing. I graduated from WWU with a history degree, and my only formal artistic training is on the clarinet. I got in to fabric arts last year when a very good friend of mine invited me to help him vend at a convention. He was embroidering a jacket, and invited me to make friendship bracelets with his thread scraps. It was one of the best weekends I’ve ever had! I do art to remember that weekend, to connect with my beloved artist friends, to connect with my childhood self, and because making art makes me feel more whole.
I haven’t really done anything runway related before; I usually sell my art at markets & conventions. But! I adore upcycling and thrifting and giving clothing new life and love by putting my art on it. Most of my clothing I’ve either printed on or done patchworking on. This event is a wonderful opportunity for me to share one of my favorite fits with y’all, and encourage you to patch up your favorite shirt or pants when they start getting raggedy. It’s fun, and it’s sustainable!!
Sarah Godwin
In her professional life, Sarah works as an educational consultant for children and youth who are DeafBlind in the state of Washington. In her free time Sarah is planning, dreaming, or working on do-it-yourself (DIY) projects. She is by no means a professional, but she loves making anything imaginable - especially from random materials already on hand! One of her parent's favorite memories is of Sarah as a child is when they found her making elaborate clothes for her doll house dolls using toilet paper. Sarah has always had the secret dream of having one of her designs walk down the runway, so tonight she is thrilled to show off her very first up-cycled and "trashion" pieces. And don't worry, they will hold up better than toilet paper!
Becka Vieta | Hexagon Textile & Broom
Becka Viets Of Hexagon Textile & Broom is devoted to using upcycled materials in her creations. The Upcycled Fashion Show gives her an amazing opportunity to showcase her sewing skills and vast collection of vintage textiles. Find her work at www.hexagonhats.com or at local markets around Bellingham. @hexagontextile
Ryan Hoekema
Driven by passion, creativity, and a thirst for knowledge, Ryan's (@Alley_cat_ryan) work captures the essence of the human experience. His fusion of fashion, digital art, and philosophical musings invites viewers into a world of wonder and introspection. A lifelong student of the arts, Ryan (@Alley_cat_ryan) has honed his skills through many facets of creativity with the help of those around him. By by illuminating inspiration they have shined on his artistic journey powering his infectious creativity, energy and genuine spirit. He inspires others to tap into their own creativity and live authentically.
At the heart of Ryan's creative journey is his son, Anikin. As a father, Ryan has learned that the truest form of art is found in the unbreakable bonds we form with others. In the ever-evolving world of art, Ryan remains a constant, continuously pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo. Ryan invites you to join him on a journey of self-discovery and artistic exploration through social media platforms Facebook and Instagram @Alley_cat_ryan.
Cathi Aldrich | Ease Custom Haus
Hi, I'm Cathi Aldrich, creator of Ease Custom Haus. I am a brewer by trade, and a volunteer mender at Ragfiney. As a life long thrift shopper with an artistic drive, upcycling has been part of my life since before it was part of my vocabulary. I live my fashion life somewhere between Kurt Cobain, Betsy Johnson, and Princess Dianna with inspiration from Lucille Ball, Vera Bradley, and Lady Gaga.
In the Trashion category I have some garments highlighting waste in the brewing industry. For the Upcycled Ready-to-Wear category I have a cutie clown couple showcasing two quilt tops sourced from Ragfinery. @easecustomhaus
Suzanne Lundberg | The Goat’s Coat
Suzanne is the founder and designer of The Goat’s Coat and the visionary behind Bellingham’s non-annual sporadic upcycled runways throughout the years. For more on Suzanne, see “Mission”
Celine Parton | Bonanza Crafts
Hi, my name is Celine and I'm the maker behind Bonanza Crafts. Inspiration for my work comes from native forests and quirky vintage. I handcraft and upcycle clothing, bags, wall hangings, throw pillows, and more. I source most of my materials from two Bellingham establishments: the textile nonprofit, Ragfinery, and the art supply store, Dakota Arts. Sustainability is important to me so I do my best to source secondhand when appropriate and possible.
Follow the crafting on my Instagram account: @Bonanza.Crafts
Brandi and Everly Hutton
A mother-daughter duo from Bellingham, WA, brings a unique blend of creativity and a passion for repurposing trash. Brandi, a waste reduction specialist, constantly seeks alternatives to landfills. Finding inspiration in the durability of some single-use items meant to be used for less than a few hours and thrown away. She enjoys envisioning new uses for every waste item she encounters.
Everly has proven to be an expectational visual artist at a young age turning heads in classrooms, and camps. She loves working with pen and ink, air-dry clay, and nature-inspired sculptures, showcasing an eye for detail that is truly enchanting.
Together, they have been collecting intriguing bits of “trash” that ignite their creativity for the past two years. They’ve crafted a persona named “Crowella,” a whimsical lady crow who transforms our modern, throwaway culture into a treasure trove of delightful eye candy.
Elle Cartier
Elle Cartier is a multi-media, mixed-Indigenous artist based on Lhaq’temish Lands. This year focusing on slow, ready-to-wear fashion in “Denim Dreams” and “Whimsical Florals” with a few jewelry looks of their own. Check out their website at ellecartier.com
Nancy Watts
Hello, my name is Nancy Watts (Instagram wearwatts) and a Very Happy retired science teacher. Sewing, creating and making from nothing for upcycling and Trashion fashion is my passion. I love a challenge working with new materials and methods to create something different and beautiful. My style tends to be refined retro with some added drama. @wearwatts
Madison Stump | the stump of approval
Madison Stump is a Bellingham-based artist who transforms thrifted fabrics and fibers into sustainable goods. She adds whimsy, humor and sprinkles of nostalgia to her upcycled pieces. By repurposing pre-loved materials, she creates fresh, playful designs that are as eco-conscious as they are stylish.
Madison is an elementary teacher and does pop-ups locally where she sells her creations as The Stump of Approval.
Her colorful collection for this show features unique items like towel shorts, bucket hats, scrunchies and much more.
Find out more and check out the newest creations at www.thestumpofapproval.com or @stumpofapproval on socials.