Artists made the runway their canvas at the Festival of Arts on August 12, competing to create the most imaginative and unique designs using reclaimed, reused or recycled materials. A three-panel judge chose the top looks in four categories and over 2,000 Festival visitors had the opportunity to cast their votes for “People’s Choice Award.”
The Festival Runway Fashion Show was hosted by actress Kate Flannery. Selecting the winners was a panel of judges including actress Melissa Biggs, Emmy award-winning costume director Marie Schley, and former Paris Boutique Manager for designer Gianfranco Ferre Marc Luc Zanola.
Stunning entries from Festival artists Carla Bosch, Antje Campbell, Mariana Nelson and Mike Tauber wowed the judges and crowd alike with their unique styling and creative use of materials.
“Most Exciting Ensemble with Wow Factor” was awarded to painter Brad Elsberry whose design was inspired by the sunset reflecting on the ocean. The outfit was made up of hundreds of plastic water and soda bottles, plastic food containers, shrink wrap, drop cloths and discarded vinyl.
Painter Kirsten Whalen won “Most Innovative Use of Materials” for her music inspired design comprised of cassette tape, 45 records and torn window screens. Finishing off the outfit was a purse made of record vinyl with a guitar string handle.
Artist Elizabeth McGhee won “Most Creative Concept” with her dress inspired by the cartoon character Sailor Moon. Her colorful outfit was constructed out of crayon wrappers, colored pencils, scrap construction paper and a giant duct tape bow on the front.
Richard Moren received the award “Most Glamorous & Elegant ‘Red Carpet’ Worthy Creation” for his stylish outfit made from more than 1,600 lottery tickets, folded into origami and attached to repurposed packing material. Richard’s runway look also impressed the crowd and took home the highly coveted “People’s Choice Award.”