NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Stephen F. Austin State University's fashion and interior design student organizations are sponsoring the "Green is the New Black" recyclable fashion show this fall as the community event for the Blue Jeans Go Green Denim Recycling Program.
The show will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, in the Baker Pattillo Student Center Grand Ballroom.
The non-refundable entry fee for designers is $20. The top 15 designs will be featured on the runway and others will be displayed on mannequins as an exhibit. Entries are due by Friday, Oct. 9. SFA faculty and staff members, students, and community members are invited to attend.
The cost of admission to the show for individuals is one piece of used denim clothing, and families are asked to donate a minimum of two pieces. There will be denim dropboxes located at the entrance to the Grand Ballroom.
Jamie Cupit, SFA human sciences instructor who is overseeing the fashion show, is looking forward to showcasing the students' work as well as engaging the community. Cotton Inc. from New York will be on campus to film the show as promotion for Blue Jeans Go Green.
"This is an excellent opportunity to market SFA since we are one of three universities in the country participating," Cupit said.
Students of all majors are encouraged to enter designs. Designs this year will be Halloween costumes rather than traditional apparel. All entries must be constructed from recyclable materials with one component of the costume being recycled denim. The show will be suitable for all ages, Cupit said.
"There is a dual purpose for this show. One, we want to collect denim for Blue Jeans Go Green. Two, we want to increase awareness of and promote sustainability by encouraging attendees to think 'outside the box' this year when planning Halloween costumes," Cupit said.
The prize for first place is $500, second place is $300 and third place is $200. There will be prizes, giveaways, refreshments and more during intermission.
Cupit said the fashion and interior design student organizations also have invited sustainability clubs and organizations to showcase the work they do on campus by setting up booths around the room. There will be an exhibit featuring head-to-toe recycled denim fashion looks created by Nacogdoches High School students in fashion design classes. One of these students will win $250 based on attendee votes at the show.
For more information, contact Cupit at jrcupit@sfasu.edu.
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