Young Creators Turn Trash into Trend at Inclusive Sustainable Fashion Show

Young Creators Turn Trash into Trend at Inclusive Sustainable Fashion Show

New Carnival proudly presented its second Trash to Trend Sustainable Fashion Show on Saturday 18th April, hosted at Network Ryde Young peoples Service’s vibrant hub in the former St Thomas Church. The event celebrated creativity, sustainability, and inclusivity, with 28 young people taking the lead in designing, making, and showcasing their own environmentally responsible fashion.
Bringing together participants from Isle of Wight College, The Island Free School, Network Ryde, Haylands Farm, and New Carnival’s own youth group ‘New Creative’, the show highlighted the power of young voices in shaping a more sustainable future. Each piece on the runway was created with environmental awareness at its core, transforming recycled and repurposed materials into bold, imaginative designs.
This year’s theme, “A Song That Resonates,” inspired an energetic and diverse showcase, as models danced, strutted, and smiled their way down the runway to music that reflected their personal stories and creative visions.
Funded by Arts Council England, the project ensured that the event was fully inclusive and free to access. All participants were supported with materials, creative workshops, and mentoring from New Carnival artists, breaking down barriers so every young person could take part, regardless of background or experience.
The day began with a lively team-building session, setting the tone for a supportive and collaborative atmosphere. Participants then prepared for the show with rehearsals, face painting by Unique Technique, and relaxed interviews with host Quivers, sharing insights into their designs and musical inspirations. Quivers stated:
‘The young people astounded me yet again; seeing their designs and chatting about their backstories and inspiration was in-turn incredibly inspiring to me. Watching some very shy people step up on the stage previously feeling anxious and worried, then insisting on multiple walks up and down the runway was a true joy.’
A fantastic audience of friends and family filled the venue, joined by an expert panel of judges including Louise Lea from Wightlink and maker behind Trash Panda, Christian Warren (Editor and Creative Director of Style of Wight), Georgie Carter (Keep Collective), Teresa Preston (Chair of Ventnor Carnival), and emerging fashion/ carnival designer Joel Lines.
Judges faced the challenging task of selecting winners across several categories, assessing creativity, technique, and commitment to sustainability. Awards included 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, alongside special recognitions for Sustainable Choice, Emerging
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Talent, and the participant-voted Peer Award. Winners received cash prizes, certificates, and handmade recycled rosettes created by Joel Lines. In addition, Style of Wight gifted a professional photoshoot and editorial feature in their May/June issue.
Judge Louise Lea, from Trash Panda and Wightlink said: “I was genuinely blown away by the creativity on display. Every outfit showed incredible resourcefulness, imagination and attention to detail, turning everyday waste into something truly special. It made judging a real challenge, and the panel found it incredibly difficult to choose a winner – which is a testament to the talent we saw on the runway. I came away completely inspired.”
New Carnival extends a heartfelt thank you to everyone who made the event possible. Special thanks go to all participants and their families, the supportive tutors and audience, and our dedicated judges. Gratitude also goes to Wootton Primary School for loaning chairs, Ventnor Exchange for the stage platform, Eternion Events for staging and sound, DJ Kaftan, Gianpaolo Mario Photography, Ryde Town Council for use of their van, our fantastic team of volunteers, Belles Bakes for fundraising in support of an environmental youth project, and to our wonderful hosts at Network Ryde.
A tutor from IW College writes:
‘The confidence and self-esteem boost this event creates is unmeasurable! It is collaborative, fun, creative inclusive and welcoming. We hope it continues to grow and grow.’
The Trash to Trend show continues to grow as a platform for young people to express themselves, build confidence, and champion sustainable practices; proving that the future of fashion is not only creative, but conscious and inclusive.