Our 4th annual sustainable sartorial soiree, DiscarDisco 2023, was a massive hit! Designer contestant finalists showcased their ‘garbage garb’ to a SOLD OUT show! We had 222 people in attendance at The Chicago Athletic Association’s fancy-pants ballroom overlooking Michigan Ave. and Millenium Park. (Check out these beautiful photos of the evening by Glitter Guts Photography)
Our show this year was dubbed ‘Rags to Riches’ for many reasons. For one, our venue glow-up took our show from the back of a bar punk show venue to one of the finest ballrooms in the city. Aside from the fancy digs, the nickname is also fitting as our contestants turn cast-off rags into elegant outfits fit for the finest occasions, while simultaneously ‘spinning gold’ by raising much needed funds to support the work we do every day at The WasteShed: turning scrap fabric and art supplies into a rich resource for our community.
While our our expert panel of judges have already selected their favorite designs (see below), we are now turning our People’s Choice award over to YOU. Donate to vote for your favorite designer and help us reach our $10,000 goal.
Our PEOPLE’S CHOICE poll begins now. To cast your vote: simply make a donation of any amount and include your favorite designer’s name in the comments. See contestants' bios, process and pieces below, review the runway on our livestream recording and cast your vote! Polls will close at midnight on June 1st, and our People’s Choice winner will be announced on June 2nd!
guest entries (non-competing)
Triveni Institute - TRASHION REVOLUTION - preview guest entry
Alan Emerson Hicks
(he/him)
IG @Emerson_428
Bio: Alan was born in Chicago, Illinois and studied sculpture at Illinois State University where he received a Bachelor's of Fine Art degree. Alan is a a Chicago-based artist working in the media of found materials, plastics and time.
Title: Plastic Prairie Bride
Process: I consider my pieces wearable sculptures and not necessarily clothing. My background is in sculpture and I've always enjoyed working with the figure. With this work I've combined my affinity for both the figure and found materials.
Model: Donielle Davenport (she/her) Photo: Glitterguts
DiscarDisco 2021 1st Place Winner - guest entry
Blair Goldman
(she/her)
@blairs.wear
Bio: Blair is a fashion designer, sewing instructor, and two-time DiscarDisco alumnus.
Title: Electric Antoinette
Process: I wanted to incorporate my playful style into the Rags and Riches theme. I couldn't resist using the cardboard box to a Rococo style wig, and I highlighted the dino fabric by creating a pannier hoop skirt. The dress was constructed using a vintage sewing pattern from 1948 (bought at the WasteShed, of course!!).
Model: Veronica Williams (she/her) @ veronica.speaks_ Redeaux Clothing
Ette The Wedding Tailor - Sponsored Guest Entry
Ette The Wedding Tailor
Bio: Started in 2018 as a sister company of Mignonette Bridal, Ette Tailor provides couture wedding gown alterations, vintage wedding gown revamping, bespoke services, and accessories, all perfectly tailored to fit your body and style. Our inclusive approach to wedding style means that all brides are welcome, and our knowledgeable and highly skilled fitters and tailors believes that every bride is unique and deserves to be treated to a personal tailoring experience—luxurious but never fussy.
Title: Opulent Evolution
Process:Using the inspiration, we started with the under dress (the rags part) creating distress and texture. We then created the red pleated structures reminiscent of cocooning butterfly wings over the dress with gold details. The large hat was inspired by famous transformations in Hollywood such as Audrey Hepburn in My Fair Lady and Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman.
Competitive Entries
Designers below are listed in the order of runway their runway appearance.
Mary O’Brien
(she/her)
IG @_maryob_
Bio: I am a 24 year old budding sewist and artist residing in Logan Square with my amazing fiancé. Fashion and sustainability have always been passions of mine, but only very recently have I begun to explore creating my own clothing.
Title: Royal Star Fleet Commander
Process:I used the fabrics, zipper, buttons, beads, ribbon, marbles, thread, and wires from my box to create my design. I added a black fabric, which was in my stash and is secondhand, along with a slider obtained from the AIBI fabric sale. I wanted to make functional pieces, on top of a fun design, so I used the maroon fabric to create two fairly structured base garments and added embellishments and the removable fringe cape to build it out.
Model: Self
Mary Miller
(she/her)
@mary.l.miller.5622022
Bio: I've been sewing since I was eleven. I especially like plushie Peeps and bunnies.
Title: Flatforms and Bunny purse
Process:I incorporated trims, wool, scraps of foam, and a table cloth. I mainly sewed it all together.
Model: Self
Melissa Weinmann
Bio: I am a creator extraordinaire, and I have done a little bit of everything. I love to cook and make cocktails, craft jewelry, sew clothing, and create homemade body products. I am on a journey towards a zero-waste lifestyle and I specifically love using trash or discarded items to create something new and practical.
Title: Country Western Meets East Coast Preppy Chic
Process: I wanted to create a look that I could wear after DiscarDisco, so I created 3 main pieces: a top, corset and skirt, so I could wear it in my everyday life. This way, I could mix these two mismatched fabrics and create items that can be worn on their own.
Model: Self
Rebecca Poulson
(she/her)
Bio: Rebecca Poulson is a folk fashion enthusiast sewing and knitting in Uptown. Previously she's been a software engineer, bartender, playwright and reality tv home renovation production assistant (DiscarDisco actually felt a lot like that last one). Rebecca grew up in a family of very serious quilters and reconnected with her sewing machine in 2020. She is currently in the process of developing a small collection of patterns for home sewists.
Title: Untitled
Process: Since the fabrics in my box were quite structured, the first thing I did was look through my stash for anything that could add drape. When I found the purple velvet, I decided to lean all the way in on purple and overdye the paisley which I had never done before. I was interested in making very feminine and traditional silhouette kind of slouchy and cozy and personal so I used a lot of topstitching and hand stitched details.
Model photo: Self
Model Runway: Zai Inee (she/her) @zai_inee Redeaux Clothing
Audrey Green
(she/her)
Bio: I'm an illustrator and graphic designer who happens to also love sewing as a hobby! I think it runs in my DNA because my mom is a proficient sewist and was/is always experimenting with fun and creative textile projects. I learned how to sew clothing for myself about 5 or 6 years ago from following simple patterns, and became really interested in figuring out how different kinds of garments come together. It was great being part of this challenge because I hadn't really made as much time for sewing lately and it kind of reignited my enjoyment while pushing me to try new things, like drafting a jacket pattern!
Title: Clown College Prep
Process:The pink and green plaid fabric that I got in my box inspired me to go with a preppy/sporty varsity look (the "riches"), while the overall soft colors and other fun materials in the box made me want to take a whimsical, clown-inspired spin on it (the "rags"). I also used the skirt in my box for the jacket lining fabric, and for the other main fabrics in the outfit I thrifted a light green plaid pillowcase, a pink tee-shirt (for the collar and cuffs of the jacket), and a light pink tablecloth. The wire is sewn into the shoulder and shorts ruffles to give them some extra structure and shape, and after spray-painting the buttons and marbles with a paint I already had, they worked great for the accessories and other adornments.
Model: Self
Marie Wohadlo
(she/her)
Bio: A lifelong fabriholic and sensible hoarder, Marie always looks to that which can be repurposed. Currently she is working with recycled glass, to make representational and semi-abstract Fodomosaics(.com) but will always return to fiberarts when inspiration strikes from within or randomly imposed, such as DiscarDisco.
Title: Untitled
Process:Hand smocking, machine stitching, glass fusing, beading, wirework, macrame, and metalwork.
Model Photo: Krissy Rodriguez
Model Runway: Veronica Williams (she/her) @ veronica.speaks_ Redeaux Clothing
Susan Abelson
(she/her)
IG @susanhats
Bio: I am an artist who currently focuses on making hats, using recycled materials such as felted sweaters and other discarded clothes. I have a business called *SUSAN*HAT* and a wee shop in Rogers Park.
Title: Tartan Walking Outfit
Process: My challenge was how much I should honor the symmetry of the plaid. I used nearly everything in the box, adding only a few golden beads I had in my studio. I enjoyed "drawing" with the yellow thread, and using the wire for a sculptural touch. Outfit is sewn on machine and a bit of hand stitching.
Model: Self
Ben Argenta Kress
(he/him)
IG @benargenta
Bio: Ben Argenta Kress is a costume designer and visual artist primarily interested in who we are and who we can be, together and alone. Informed by his interest in psychology and sociology, these musings have been central to Ben’s work.
Title: Dream Suit
Process:I was inspired by my attraction as a kid to the flashy lining of suits, so wanted to really highlight that with my two fabrics. The rest of the materials were used for the accessories and detailing on the suit (paracord piping and metallic thread detail stitching). The glasses were inspired by the early 2000s narrow glasses I had when I was younger.
Model: Self
Hereaclitus
(xe/they)
linktr.ee/hereaclitus @hereaclitus everywhere
Bio: What if Madame Curie was a Transgender Trashionista. And being a Queer Maxmillist was regarded as the lauded scientific inquiry that it is. Then, I'd win a noble prize for my re-activity creativity. Discovering that curiosity, experimentation, and wonder is how we transform trash, ourselves, and probably the planet.
Title: Madame Curies Wonder Cape where she discovered the secret spell of the fiddle ferns spiralling to save the planet from mass destruction!
Process: Brainstorm, fantasize, test, repeat, test, experiment, repeat, reflect, detail, and have fun. In the free box I found a Harry Potter map, where I cut out the castles, dragons, and ships. They were glued onto the sequins oceans scape. Leather scraps and Feathers made a burning factory. The Fiddle ferns hold the secret to the abundance tree.
Model: Erik the Red (they/them) @extrabig
Amy Jahnke
(she/her)
Bio: Amy is a third-generation home sewist who is always up for a creative challenge. She promised to buy no "new" clothes a few years ago, and has done pretty well thrifting or making things since then. Fellow sewists will note that she did not vow not to buy fabric. Amy works in graphic design and lives in the Albany Park neighborhood of Chicago.
Title: Holly Golightly Goes to an Art Party
Process:I leaned into the really nice herringbone and linen fabrics, making the base dress and bolero garments that can be re-worn. The 60's-inspired outfit is made Disco-worthy with the addition of fun elements like the necklace, marble button, and in particular the Party Armor (made of scraps from AIBI). It was a blast using so many techniques to create this outfit: not just sewing, but sculpting, paper mache and good old hot glue all played a role! Vintage earrings from the WasteShed complete the look.
Model: Self
Anna Hart Turner
(she/her)
erranthart.com IG, TikTok @errant_hart
Bio: Anna Hart Turner is a mixed media textile artist with a background in fashion design. Combining materials and techniques in unexpected ways is what drives her creative processes.
Title: Progress not Perfection
Process: I used all the materials in my box and supplemented with fabric from FabScrap (sash on top) an old road kit sample from work (facing of pant) and my mask I made from fabric that was in the free bin at a fashion company where I interned (I think it was a test print) I draped my top on a dress form and patterned my pants based on Holly McQuillan’s zero waste spiral pant concept. I looked at blogs and made mock-ups from AIBI fabric sale fabric before making my final pant.
Model: Self
Stephanie Wong
(she/her)
Bio: Calling many places around the world home, I design, weave, sew, and dye mostly in Chicago. Many archives inspire my work: the histories of the queer community, Asian America, and the Spanish Pacific. I am currently writing my doctoral dissertation about Mexican history at Brown University.
Title: Caliban
Process: In the spirit of global Southern zero waste, I handwove the central garment from rags gleaned from the DiscarDisco box, AIBI scraps, my own stash of offcuts, and those of my friends and colleagues. The inner garment is sewn from drag costume offcuts; I made accessories from the DiscarDisco box (nunchaku, purse); the wig and shoes are repurposed from drag costumes.
Model: Jaime/Auntie Chan
Theo
(she/her)
Tiktok @girl.theo
Bio: When I was little I told my mom I wanted to go to fashion school and she said no but now we both make clothes and love trash so that’s cute
Title: I watched 5 and a half seasons of Gilmore Girls while making this
Process: It’s supposed to be a transformation from the first look (rags- shapeless cape with unfinished hems) to the second look (riches: the cape becomes a long and impractical train. Who wears trains? Rich ppl).
Model: Tina (she/they)
Jose Ochoa
Bio: José Ochoa is a self-taught visual artist who began developing sustainable fiber assemblage pieces in response to his grief of personal loss. In the short time since José began this journey, his art has been included in exhibitions nationwide, such as River Oaks Art Center (Louisiana), View Center for the Arts (New York), Webster Arts Center (Kansas City), and Fine Line Art Gallery (Illinois). Most recently, one of his pieces was part of the Next Gallery’s Annual Casa Bonita Show, which Westword media describes as “one of the biggest, most high-profile gallery shows in the Denver area.”
Title: Jardín para Elfida
Process: I am an emerging sustainable mixed media artist who transforms used textiles and materials found at home into colorful, sustainable art. The fashion industry is one of the most significant contributors to global pollution and waste. Seeing all types of textiles piling up in my own home prompted me to experiment with different ways to give these materials a second life and to keep them out of landfills. The old saying “one man's trash is another man's treasure” is relevant and needed today, but “one person’s old t-shirt is someone else’s wildflower landscape collage” is much more fun.
Model: Aeris Brown (she/hers)
Jessica Van Winkle
(she/her)
Bio: Jessica Van Winkle is a costume and fashion designer based in Chicago. She specializes in theatre, drag, and performance wear and seeks to find extravagance, joy, and humor in everything she creates. Jessica is passionate about size inclusivity and designs for EVERY body. She is so excited to be part of this year's DiscarDisco!
Title: Inferno
Process: I received 2 fabrics, a variety of buttons, lace, a belt buckle, colorful wire, a yellow zipper and some marbles as part of my mystery box, my goal in this process was to create something really high fashion out of these things that didn't- at first- seem to naturally go together. I started with creating my turtleneck, dress, and legwarmers and then worked on incorporating all the unconventional materials. The actual box and confetti filling became a purse, wires became external boning, purse handles and support for a giant bow, marbles became the purse fastener and lace and buttons were used to embellish! I am especially proud of the invisible zipper install!
Model: Merle (she/her) @afemmemerle
Alice Maiterth
(she/her)
Bio: Alice Maiterth is a writer and comedian from Chicago. She likes to play with context, exaggeration and colors.
Title: Space Age Barbie
Process:Using the required material was paramount, so I staged them as statement pieces on a black bodice background. I loved using the bendy wires as structure and the bold patterns as building blocks.
Model: Self
Jess Crane
(she/her)
Bio: Jess Crane is a multidisciplinary creative professional, business consultant, and founder of Jess Crane Design LLC. With expertise in various fields, including concept design, product development, marketing, event planning, business development, graphic design, music, and writing, she offers consultation and services to help businesses thrive. She is also a connector who brings creative and business communities together through networking and public events.
Title: Down the Rabbit Hole
Process:I was inspired by the embroidered bunny and though of a wonderland tea party with the rabbits. I utilized all of my materials and incorporated one extra fabric, gold spray paint, reused elastic, sewing, glue, a old headband, patternmaking, and hand embroidery.
Model Photo: Self
Model Runway: Madeline Ray @madhazray
Jenna Summa
(they/them)
Bio: Jenna Summa is a multidisciplinary artist, who went to art school for painting but focuses primarily on textile and print production. They were raised in the South but are proud to call Chicago home. They strive to make work that is joyful, layered, and textural.
Title: Lush Garden
Process: I incorporated all items from the box in some way, primarily the two striped cotton fabrics, though the light white cotton was dyed orange and used as lining in the hat and mask. I supplemented with completely thrifted items: two bed sheets, one bright orange tshirt, and the shoe base, along with a pack of polymer clay. Riches for me is a lush garden, which was the inspiration for the twisting shapes and cut away layers.
Model: Self
Ellouise Davis
(she/her)
Bio: I am a costume maker, I work professionally at the lyric Opera. I take the reuse, reduce, recycle, repurpose life seriously. I love to be creative, especially within restrictions of using what I have on hand!
(Design left)
Title: Layers and structure
Process:I used only items from my discard box or what I already owned. I pulled the bulk of my patterns from items in my closet with a lot of modification for those lantern sleeves!
Model: Self
Courtney Batio & Michael Dreger
(she/her) & (he/they)
Bio: Courtney BATIO is a creative director and visual artist in Chicago. Her multidisciplinary background of fashion design and performance art are what informs her work today. She works with a material based approach, creating wearable art pieces like this through draping. She is the founder and creative director of Batio Studio located in the historical Flat Iron Arts building.
(Design Right)
Title: Blossom The King
Process:Took each material & evolved it: the salmon fabric had the flowers cut out & structured, using the rest as rags with the black faux snakeskin as the skirt base. The buttons & beads became crown adornments while the cord became dress structure & the wires flower stamen! We pulled a few remnant pieces from a pile, 2 for structure & 1 for accent. Overall, a fantastic challenge of making something less exciting shine bright!!
Model: Self - Michael Dreger (he/they)
judges’ accolades
Honorable Mentions
-
Honorable Mentions -
Stephanie Wong and Jose Ochoa received honorable mention from our judges panel for outstanding work. Judge J. Frausto applauded Jose’s story telling through his garment construction and Judge Iyomi Ho Ken acknowledged Stephanie’s incredible hard work in constructing a hand woven garment.
winners!
-
winners! -
2nd runner up - Jenna summa
Judge Anna Hovet Dias introduced Jenna Summa’s 2nd Runner up prize - noting the judge’s love of the complete execution of a joyful interpretation of their materials. Watch here.
1st runners up - courtney batio & michael dreger
Judge Lauren Lein announced that the high-couture design by Courtney Batio (and collaborator Michael Dreger) won 1st Runner up prize for the ‘beautiful beautiful beautiful wonder cape’ for the detail and handiwork. Watch here.
and our GRAND PRIZE 1st Place Winner - Ellouise Davis
Judge Melissa Carter awarded our grand prize to Ellouise Davis for her construction, design on her beautiful suit piece with interesting mod inspired silhouette. Ellouise’s face was pure shock! Watch here.
1st place awarded to Ellouise Davis (Design Left)