Copious amounts of overconsumption occur in the fashion industry today, leading to significant amounts of waste. However, designers in Columbia are challenging the idea of what we consider “waste” and are instead turning it into beautiful, reimagined pieces of art.
Columbia’s sustainability-focused fashion show, Runaway Runway, is returning to the Columbia Museum of Art April 18.
Dalvin Spann, vice president of the Columbia Design League and co-chair of Runaway Runway, said the fashion show started as a neighborhood event and eventually grew into the community fundraiser it is today.
Spann said the show is meant to highlight the magnitude of the overconsumption crisis in fashion and how Runaway Runway is working to combat it.
“Looking at what we deem as waste and turning it into something that brings awareness to how much stuff we waste is important,” Spann said. “We are at a crossroads of what we are doing to the world and the planet."
While being a staple for 10 years until 2017, Spann said this is the first year that Runaway Runway will return, due to public demand, and it will hopefully become an annual event in the future.
Spann said the fashion show has a typical runway setup but also a community feel, with models showing off creative designs from local Columbia artists. Additionally, Runaway Runway has a competition element, where design entries are evaluated and awarded by a panel of judges as well as the audience.
Dana Witkoski, engagement manager for the Columbia Museum of Art, said there will be an elevated VIP experience offered this year, including a catered meal and free access to the after-party, which will take place at Ambrosia Tavern.
"This time, it feels like we have a very professional, real runway experience," Witkoski said. "There's going to be a more creative atmosphere. We've got a DJ, who's going to be spinning music that's specific to the themes of the outfits and what to expect with these designs."
Spann said Runaway Runway will also have more of a focus on sustainability than it has in previous years.
This push for sustainability inspires creativity among those such as Nancy Marine, a former art teacher and a designer and model for Runaway Runway. Marine said seeing the massive amounts of leftover art materials in her classroom sparked her desire to create sustainable fashion.
“You just hate to throw them away,” Marine said. “There must be something I can do with them.”
While Runaway Runway’s main focus is drawing attention to the overconsumption crisis, Spann said it simultaneously acts as a space to bring together Columbia’s creative community.
Spann also said the event is a place for people of all backgrounds to come together and share their creativity.
“These people have different walks of life, different fields of businesses, but they’re taking the time out to just have fun and be creative,” Spann said.
Witkoski also said the event's broad range of participants and their work is one of the aspects that makes the event unpredictable and exciting.
"There are so many designers and artists involved in the show that you will recognize, but there's also a lot of people that you won't know," Witkoski said. "This is such a multi-generational event."
Marine, who said she is known not only for her creative designs but for her interactive performances, described how she is encouraging audience participation with her LEGO-themed design this year, allowing them to even attach a LEGO piece to her outfit.
Marine said she is just one of many talented designers and models who make up the creative community involved in Runaway Runway.
“There’s just a lot of mutual admiration between the designers and the models, and that's what gives it kind of a good family, behind-the-scenes feel,” Marine said.
Marine said she hopes that audience members, even those who aren’t interested in fashion, will be inspired to create something after seeing the show.
“I want them to go say, ‘I can do that,’ ‘I want to do that,’” Marine said.
Witkoski also said the event offers a space that can serve to inspire all members of the community.
"It feels like there's something that I think everybody will find to enjoy, and it might spark some creativity," Witkoski said. "You might want to design your own outfits when you get home."
General admission tickets can be found on the museum’s website, and it is $35 per ticket.