Trimble Tech Fashion Design II students made their way down the catwalk this spring with their “Upcycle Redesign project.” Fashion Design teacher at Trimble Tech High School Baylee Ware partnered with Goodwill North Central Texas to give these students the opportunity to show off their design skills while practicing sustainability.
The partnership between Goodwill and Trimble Tech is not new, in fact, many of Ware’s students have competed in Project Goodwill over the years. Project Goodwill, a fashion show, design competition and fundraiser gala tasks aspiring designers from the community with designing wearable garments using $100 worth of unconventional materials from local Goodwill stores and presenting those looks in a runway show. In 2023, two of Ware’s students competed, Tran Phan and Leslie Acevedo.
For the upcycle project, Trimble Tech students were awarded $25 Goodwill gift cards to purchase the materials needed for their project. The students were tasked with completing a portfolio of their inspiration, work process and finally their finished design. “Our students enjoyed this project immensely and are inspired to do more upcycle on their own,” said Ware.
Take a look at some of the completed designs!
Tran Phan
Inspiration
Tran was inspired to bring a fresh, chic and elegant style to a vintage corset look. For this spring season, she was also inspired by blooming flowers to accentuate her design.
Process
Tran started by cutting the top parts of the short and dress, as well as the curtain to create a new style. She stitched the items together and modified the length and shape of the bottom of the dress. After sewing all the items together, she attached the inner slit from the skirt of the flower dress and added bottom holes to release the top grommet.
Yadira Torres
Inspiration
Yadira was inspired by Pedro Almodovar films and their bright and cheerful scenery contrasted with a dark and twisted plot.
Process
Yadira used a sweated to make a fitted pencil skirt. She first removed the sleeves and turned it upside down to cut off the collar and shoulder area. She then took measurements of her model to ensure the skirt would fit perfectly after sewing the shape of the skirt. For the top, she wanted to make a 90s inspired halter top to flatter her model’s back. To create the top, she used a bathing suit pattern from the brand Simplicity. To make the top versatile in styling she used a deep V neck and wrap tie for maximum adjustability.
Julianna Ortiz
Inspiration
Julianna was inspired by a monochromatic palette and abstract shapes. She also wanted to include an element of surprise and used a striped blouse as a wrapped and tied skirt which would be untied for a dramatic reveal.
Process
Juliana pinned the shimmery top to determine how she wanted the fabric to sit on the model. She then snipped off some parts and enclosed the hemlines by hand sewing them. With the satin top, she ripped the seams from the collar and sleeves and opened up the seam to connect the shimmer blouse in a symmetrical shape. Using extra embroidery pieces Julianna completed the look with tie strings.
Selena Macias and Valeria Malaga
Inspiration
Selena and Valeria were inspired to create a transitional garment that could be worn for various occasions from formal to business to a party. They strived to create a contemporary, stylish yet comfortable garment.
Process
Selena and Valeria used two curtains and a pair of pants to construct their garment. The curtains were formed into pants and the pants were deconstructed to create the top.
Jasmine Macias Sigala
Inspiration
Jasmine was inspired to make a skirt and top from a dress in the same color palette using a form fitted design.
Process
Jasmine cut the top to remove the sleeves and added a button to make it fit tighter on her model. For the skirt, she added a waistband and a zipper to improve the fit. To ensure the right fit, more of the back of the skirt was removed.
