Re-Fashioned’s return to the runway was everything

After a two-year COVID hiatus, Re-Fashioned returned to the runway on Saturday, May 7th with a new venue, a renewed commitment, a recordbreaking audience turnout, and 100 stunning new looks. Filled with natural light and an open, miminalist elegance, the Siebel Center for Design, provided a stage worthy of Project Runway. The multi-level glass atrium allowed the models to bring the looks to the entire audience. And, in a clever bit of stage management, the revolving doors allowed the models to exit, re-enter, and change direction before moving to the lower levels. Seeing them meet and cross with incoming looks made for some of my favorite moments.

When I say that the return of Re-Fashioned was “everything” what I really mean is this: Each feature (choreography, integration of the location, the placement of the tech crew out in full view) came together to support and spotlight the designs and Re-Fashioned’s larger mission. Even the soundtrack was filled with throwback and remixes. With the new fashion concentration now in place, the Siebel Center for Design seemed to welcome these young (re)fashion designers into the the future of sustainable design.

The looks did not disappoint. And neither did the models. The range of styles and source materials were stunning. The looks that came down the runway were not only repurposed and recycled, they were inclusive of a range of sizes, shapes, and gender expressions. The designs were, in turn, playful, sophisticated, modest, theatrical, wearable, bold, referential, and forward-thinking. I can hardly do justice to them all here. But please join me in congratulating these young designers on a show that was well worth the wait.