‘Trash To Fashion’ topic du jour in New Haven starting July 19

by MIKE CHAIKEN

Trash gets stylish this July as the Trash To Fashion, a zero-waste event series, kicks off in Connecticut.

The event, which begins with a pop up exhibit in New Haven that opens July 19, is being organized by Rebekah Fraser.

Fraser, who launched her efforts to turn her idea into reality in January, has secured support and/or funding from   Dwight Hall at Yale University, Ely Center of Contemporary Art, New Haven Solid Waste Recycling Authority and the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven and the New England Grassroots Environmental Fund. Momentum.

Asked what first attracted her to the concept of “trashion,” Fraser explained, “It all started with Molly Ringwald and (the film) ‘Pretty In Pink.’”

One of the crucial scenes in the John Hughes-directed film was when Ringwald’s character made her own prom dress.

“I was a teenager when that movie came out and I was fascinated by what her character was able to create from a curtain and some old fabric,” said Fraser. “Twenty years later, a trashion exhibit at (the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art) inspired me to make trashion.”

Fraser likes the concept of trashion. But why does she think others might find it appealing?

“It’s fun, lighthearted, and a great way to explore your creativity that is free or very close to free that can be done in community,” said Fraser. “Plus, the environmental impact is zero or even positive.”

She continued, “I think we all need to get more involved in community right now. The world is pretty crazy, and connecting with people in real life, in real time, boosts mental health. When you boost your mental health, you boost your physical health.”

Some would be content to keep their passions to themselves. What inspired Fraser to share her love for trashion to the world-at-large by organizing exhibits and workshops?

“I think we all need each other right now,” said Fraser, reiterating her theme of community through trashion. “And we all need to remember our personal power to effect change.”

Trashion always has the risk of looking crafty rather than chic— more Michael’s Arts and Craft than Michael Kors . Fraser was asked how one goes about making trashion stylish.

“There are many ways, and that is partly what we will teach through our media and workshops,” said Fraser.

She added, “Chic is really a subjective concept. What I find chic may differ from what you find chic. The fashion industry has done a great job of leading people to believe there’s only one way to look good or that there is such a thing as what’s ‘in style’ when in fact, the most stylish people are the ones who don’t follow trends but simply wear what’s flattering on them and what they feel good in.”

For the pop-up exhibit that opens this month, Fraser said she has used her contacts within the New Haven arts community to find the creatives she needed to participate.

“I have been part of New Haven’s arts community for several years, so I reached out to my contacts first, and then reached out to folks who I met through contacts,” said Fraser. “One of the artists in the show was brand new to me. I walked into a locally-owned store to explore sponsorship . She mentioned that one of her employees makes trash fashion. When I realized I needed to curate an exhibit, I went back to the store and asked (the artist) if they would be interested in participating in the exhibit. The answer was yes, so the next step was to have them send photos of their work so that I could see if it was a good fit for the exhibit. I’m very excited about the garments they’ll be sharing with us.”

Fraser said, “Another garment that will be on display is made by one of the Trash To Fashion core team members, Derek, who is not an artist and had never sewn anything until I taught him. We were preparing to present at the Yale Innovation Summit in May and decided we would wear trashion to the event. He didn’t have anything, so we got together, and he chose some materials, then I showed him how to make a vest. He wanted to keep working on it after we were done, so he went home and learned more about sewing, so he could complete the garment to his satisfaction. That’s really the ethos of Trash to Fashion, to inspire people who may not consider themselves artists to explore their creativity in a way that also reduces pollution.”

Artists participating in the pop-up exhibit, said Fraser, are: Faustin Adeniran, Donald Carter, Catherine Cazes-Wiley, Soule Golden, Susan McCaslin, Tea Montgomery and herself.

Asked how she hopes to the Trash To Fashion events will inspire others, Fraser said she would like to see people “keep exploring their creativity, to rethink their purchasing choices, possibly make environmentally healthier purchasing choices, to use items for longer, and to think twice before throwing anything away. When you learn to see materials differently, you recognize that we throw away a lot of resources. That’s not only wasteful, it can in fact to be harmful.”

As for the future of the event, Fraser said, “We would like to hold similar events next year. If those are successful and impactful, then I have some ideas to expand this into a business. We need a lot of support for that though, so I’m still in the stage of finding out how much of this endeavor people and local businesses are willing to support.”

Schedule of events

July 19 -Aug. 17: Pop-Up Trash to Fashion exhibit at 63 Audubon St., New Haven. It will feature garments and accessories by New Haven’s top designers and visual artists, as well as new and emerging artists. It is open Thursdays through Sundays, noon-4 p.m.

July 25 from 5 to 7 p.m. An opening reception for Trash to Fashion will feature local author Tara L. Roi reading from her forthcoming novel, “Refashioned by Love.” The novel is described as a “flirty, steamy romcom featuring mature characters and set in New Haven. With Theo’s investment and guidance, Josie can launch her upcycled fashion house, escape her abusive boss, and spotlight fast fashion’s toxic legacy, but while mutual attraction weaves Josie and Theo together, their clashing beliefs threaten to trash their love and rip her business apart at the seams.”

Aug. 9 from 2-4 p.m.: Think Like a Trashionista Workshop at 63 Audubon St., New Haven. Learn how to see materials differently and conceive and sketch garments made from trash. Free to attend. Advance registration required.

Oct. 11: Trash to Fashion Workshop and Ball at Bregamos Community Theater, 491 Blatchley Ave., New Haven.

Join us for a 90-minute trashion making workshop, followed by a celebration with DJ and dancing, photographer, zero-waste catering, and a textile recycling drive. Family friendly + Free to attend. Advance registration required.

To find out when registration opens, register at  trashtofashion.substack.com.