Trashy Fashion: Rubbish From Around the World

Trashy Fashion Rubbish From Around the World
Empty soda cans and discarded lecture notes become haute couture as Oregon State University prepares for its annual Repeat Performance, a fashion show featuring garments made from recycled materials.

The show takes place Friday at 7 p.m. in the ballroom at OSU's Memorial Union, 2501 S.W. Jefferson Way. The OSU chapter of Fashion Group International organizes the event, which is free and open to the public.

This year's theme is "Rubbish From Around the World." The international motif may not present itself in the fashion (organizers say not to expect bubble wrap kimonos or wrapping paper saris), but the music, stage decorations and dance entertainment will emphasize cultural diversity.

About 70 design and merchandising students are participating in the fashion show. A jury panel will judge the garments Friday evening and bestow various awards to winning designs.

Leslie Burns, who chairs the OSU design and human environment department, said students appreciate Repeat Performance's dual emphasis on creativity and environmental sustainability. Also, she added, students like that the project is as friendly to their pocketbooks as it is to the planet.

Designers can only spend $7 on materials for each garment, which necessitates some serious thrift. Burns recalled dresses from previous years made with bookstore bags