StyleWeek Goes Eco-Conscious on the Catwalk

 A dress made from repurposed newspapers, tissue paper and cardboard by Xiwen Zhang heads down the runway. Photography by Wolf Matthewson

Newspapers. Cardboard.

Soda can tabs. Garbage bags. Torn plastic tarps. Aluminum foil.

These items might be found piled up in a recycling bin or trash can, but for students participating in StyleWeek’s annual SEED Student Design Challenge, they are sustainable materials for a fashionable runway presentation. StyleWeek was founded in 2009 by Rosanna M. Ortiz, and the SEED competition has been a part of it since 2011. “I started SEED so student designers in college and high school could have the opportunity to showcase their designs in a professional fashion week setting,” Ortiz says. “I felt that making it into a competition would be even more of a learning experience for students.”

 Lincoln School teacher Anita Thompson adjusts a garment designed by Xiwen Zhang. Photography by Wolf Matthewson

Every year, high school students at the Lincoln School or undergrads at colleges like Brown University, MassArt, the Fashion Institute of Technology, Rhode Island School of Design, Parsons School of Design, Lasell University’s School of Fashion, the University of Rhode Island and the School of Fashion Design Boston construct wearable garments using repurposed materials. 

This year’s crafty catwalk presentation takes place again with the Lincoln School on June 15 at the Capital Grille patio in Providence. “This has always been one of my favorite shows because the student really has to think about what they are creating from not only a creative angle, but functionally and what message they want to portray,” Ortiz says.

Sophie Rockwell and Claire Caldwell prepare for the evening’s StyleWeek SEED Student Design Challenge. Photography by Wolf Matthewson

Last June, Rhode Island Monthly sent a photographer to document the behind-the-scenes, backstage process of getting models ready for the runway. The SEED winner for 2022 was Sophie Rockwell, who designed a two-piece halter and skirt in aquamarine and navy. 

That final walk down the runway with models and designers joined together is Ortiz’s favorite moment. “Their smiles and seeing their confidence shine through are exactly why I continue to do StyleWeek,” Ortiz says. styleweeknortheast.com 

StyleWeek SEED Student Design Challenge designers, including Lillia Mechrefe, model Michaella Lesieur, Brittany
Tinklepaugh, Skye Goldenberg, Andy McEnroe, model Kayla Mandeville, Assana Bowen-Woods, Sophie Rockwell,
Isabel Berkenblit, model Anna McClean and Claire Caldwell with their models;Photography by Wolf Matthewson