Winning look by Kate Oxley. Photo by Goodwill Industries of Fort Worth.
Goodwill Industries of Fort Worth, Inc. recently hosted Project Goodwill, a fashion show, design competition and fundraiser gala.
Aspiring designers from the community were tasked with designing wearable garments using $100 worth of unconventional materials from local Goodwill stores and presenting those looks in a runway show during the event. Over the years, participants have used materials including lampshades, album covers, tin-foil pans, air filters and more to complete their looks.
The fashion show was judged by industry professionals including Joe Allen Brown, Professor of Theatre Arts at Texas Wesleyan University; Melina Mayfield-Williams, Assistant Buyer at Neiman Marcus; and Kanani Mahelona, Design Consultant; Celebrity fashion show judges were Toni Estes, Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter, photographer and fashionista; and Paige McCoy Smith, WFAA’s Good Morning Texas reporter/producer.
Contestants competed for top honors in design materials and method, and runway presentation. First place and People’s Choice went to Kate Oxley, a 37 year old schoolteacher, who designed a dress made entirely from adult diapers and deconstructed Christmas ornaments.
“We’re excited to offer this opportunity to local fashion design students and design enthusiasts,” said David Cox, President and CEO. “It is inspiring to watch these individuals take everyday clothing and household goods from our stores and repurpose them into runway-ready looks.”