The Open Road Carnival
The carnival that's making a difference...
Trash to Trend Fashion Show
New Carnival has taken a bold step into the world of sustainable fashion with its first ever Trash to Trend fashion show; an explosion of creativity, confidence, and environmentally responsible design. Held at the spectacular and grand Appuldurcombe House, Wroxall, the event was fully booked, as proud parents, friends, and VIPs cheered on over 60 young people aged 12 to 30, who showcased 34 incredible creations on the catwalk. Funded by Arts Coucil England, who have enabled the ongoing growth of New Carnivals ‘Isle of Creativity’ programme for young people.
Audience members were moved by the atmosphere and the message behind the show. One attendee shared:
“I think events like this inspire young people and raise their aspirations. I also think they feel valued to have such a great event put on for them.”
Another remarked that their favourite part of the afternoon was that it was:
“A fully inclusive event.”
Over the past six months, New Carnival Director Hannah Ray and Joel Lines, a Central Saint Martins fashion graduate, have led a series of inspiring workshops at The Bay School, IW College, and The Island Free School exploring the cross over in bespoke carnival costumes and haute couture fashion. Young designers explored a range of sustainable techniques, transforming waste into wearable art using sculptural cardboard, fused soft plastics, hand-stitching, appliqué, and upcycling.
Since January, participants in New Carnival’s Isle of Creativity youth project—meeting weekly at the organisation’s Ryde workshop—have been developing their skills through sessions with the New Carnival team, including eight masterclasses with the incredible Henry George (aka Quivers). Quivers not only joined the judging panel but also hosted the night’s catwalk extravaganza with infectious flair.
Henry/Quivers said:
“I’ve been able to work with a few of this lovely lot on some items and skills over the last few months, but it was a drop in the ocean of what they managed to produce for their final pieces. It makes me so happy to see so many wonderful young people developing their creative skills, making new friends and building confidence. They’re all absolute crackers and I cannot wait to see what they all do next!”
Judging the show were Marnie Janway from Inclusive Island, Joel Lines, and Quivers.
A total of 11 cash prizes were awarded, including:
1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each of the three age categories
12–15, 1st: Olive 2nd: Mia 3rd: Scarlet
16–18, 1st: Charlotte 2nd: Dejanay 3rd: Orion
18+, 1st: Lewis 2nd: Francine 3rd: Joe
An Audience Favourite Award, won by Rosie from Isle of Creativity
A Most Sustainable Design Award – won by Polly and Romei from IW Free School
The final two prizes were generously sponsored by Honey’s Doughnuts, who also treated guests to freshly made doughnuts, milkshakes, and hot drinks throughout the afternoon.
New Carnival would also like to extend thanks to Stenbury Hall and Ventnor Exchange Ingram’s Yard for the generous loan of seating and tables, The ‘Wardrobe of Weirdness’ for showcasing an inspiring collection of vintage 80s, 90s, and Y2K fashion, DJ Kaftan and DJ Shufflah for providing the afternoon’s uplifting soundtracks as well as Stage Gear rentals for providing the catwalk and sound.
This unforgettable event was not just a fashion show—it was a celebration of youth voice, bold design, environmental responsibility, and the power of community arts to change the world, one outfit at a time.
A post-event survey revealed that 63% of audience respondents said “yes definitely” when asked whether the event had increased their awareness of sustainable fashion.
Did you attend the event? We’d love to hear your thoughts!
Please take a moment to share your feedback here: https://forms.gle/wxywmumrux4Lmy8B6
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Help us continue empowering young people through creativity and community arts. Donate today: https://localgiving.org/charity/newcarnival