Applications for the 16th Annual Trashion Fashion Runway Show at the Sonoma Community Center are open now through March 20. The Show is an annual fundraiser for the Center. Every winter, the center offers workshops and events to encourage sustainable practices within the community.
This year’s runway show will feature the work of 40 designers from the community. The entry fee for adults ages 18 and up is $60 and for teens ages 9-17, is $35. The finalists will walk the runway on April 18 at 1:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. shows at the Sonoma Veterans Hall. Tickets to watch the show will go on sale in mid-March.
The other fundraising event of the season is the 10th annual upcycled Trashion Barbie gallery and auction. This year’s theme, Barbies & Bags: Reclaimed & Reimagined, broadens the creative focus beyond dolls to include bags of every shape and style, all made from reclaimed materials. Applicants will be able to submit their entries for $25 through March 13.
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2025 Trashion Fashion Runway Participants. “The Harpy” designed by Spencer DeSylva.(William Murray)
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2025 Trashion Fashion Runway Participants. “The Harpy” designed by Spencer DeSylva.(William Murray)
The center’s partner for the event, Recology Sonoma/Marin has diverted over 500 dolls from its sorting process through the Trashion Barbie exhibits.
The exhibit will open in the community center’s Gallery 212 on Thursday, April 2 and will remain open daily until the auction closes on Saturday, April 25.
For both the runway show as well as the gallery auction, artists must use discarded, abandoned, and rescued items from garbage and thrift stores to create their entry.
“I’m especially excited for the bag auction,” said Cat Smith, who works at the center and will be participating in the runway show for the sixth time.
“Accessories are my favorite part of creating Trashion Fashion. While the over-the-top runway looks can be tricky to wear again, accessories can add a clever, artistic touch to everyday life.”
The community center is also offering Trashion-themed activities for participants. A Barbies & Bags workshop for all ages is taking place on Sunday, Feb. 15. It will offer guidance and inspiration to participants. Registrations are also open for a four-week Trashion Fashion Runway Design Class for designers ages 9-17, beginning Saturday, Feb. 21.
More information about the events, sponsorship opportunities and applications can be found on the Sonoma Community Center website: sonomacommunitycenter.org.