Jess Crane + DiscarDisco 2022
This year I returned as a designer for the DiscarDisco, a fashion show fundraiser. My goal with this project was to raise funds for The WasteShed using a mystery box of repurposed materials to create a ready-to-wear outfit that could be worn by a consumer on a daily basis. I felt it was important to show that materials can be repurposed in this way- with longevity, functionally and intended continued-use. This is a way of being sustainable, taking what could’ve ended up in a landfill and giving it a longer, broader functioning life.
This is also the approach I am taking with my own collection I will be launching. The collection materials aren’t coming from a mystery box, but they were selected from end of runs or dead-stock. Each style will have limited quantity available based on the amount of material available. I am in the designing phase of the collection and looking forward to a 22/23 launch.
The 2022 DiscarDisco was on February 10th at the Beat Kitchen in Chicago, IL. Last year’s event was presented streaming only due to the pandemic, where this year hosted a hybrid of both in-person and streaming. Tickets were limited with the event selling out completely a few days before.
The WasteShed is a creative reuse center that collects reusable art and related materials, making them available to the community at low cost. The WasteShed expanded in 2021 adding a location in Evanston, IL. The first location is in the Humboldt Park area.
This was the third annual DiscarDisco and just over 40 mystery boxes of reusable materials were sold to potential entrants. The boxes were available for preorder starting late October 2021, with delivery/pickup as soon as the first week of December 2021. The cutoff date for ordering a box was December 14th. Upon receipt, entrants were instructed to film the unboxing of their materials, creating videos to post online for the public to see. This was a requirement for being a designer in the show. Other deadline dates included process shots and final video submissions.
The WasteShed worked in partnership with Apparel Industry Board, Inc (AIBI) and Minted Media Productions to not only organize, promote and acquire sponsorship partners, but to develop a community for designers and supporters of the show. Virtual meeting dates were set up welcoming participants to join in with any questions or issues, troubleshooting or advice, and just a friendly space to share common interests and goals.
Variety is the spice of life and the DiscarDisco brings variety on all fronts, creating an exciting opportunity for all involved. You never know what to expect which gives you a sense of joyful, creative anticipation.
This year we saw a wide variety of materials in the unboxing videos. The fabrics ranged from upholstery types, sequins, and even light chiffon. Some of the more bizarre items in boxes included soup spoons, googley eyes, tubes of exhaust venting, straws and styrofoam eggs. A staple item we started seeing in every box was a brown harness type buckle.
The designers were varied just like the mystery box materials. We had professional designers, students, artists, and creatives. Some designers did not own a sewing machine or had never sewn before. One participant was a team who operated an organization similar to the WasteShed in Michigan called FiberShed at Grow Benzie. There was a mixture of returning designers from previous years, aspiring fans of previous shows, and those who were new to the DiscarDisco.
Final video submissions were due on January 24th and incredibly, 28 designers completed their work. 28 looks designed from diverse mystery boxes. The judges sure had their work cut out for them! This year’s judges panel included; Chicago couture fashion designer and President of AIBI, Lauren Lien Cavanaugh; award winning fiber/fashion/photography artist and scholar, Iyomi Ho Ken; Chicago jewelry designer and appraiser, Leah Andrews; and Chicago native sustainable swimwear designer and textile artist, Rose “Rosie” May Turner.
Third place was awarded to: Chris Williford’s Space Pirate
Second place tied between: Madeline Stage’s Queen of Trashion and Miranda Barrett’s Untitled
First place was awarded to: Morgan Csejtey’s Untitled
People’s Choice award is being determined by donations made which include a comment of the name of your favorite designer’s look. There will be awards offered for both most votes and most funds raised. Please visit the WasteShed’s website to learn more. Consider making a donation and including a comment of my name, Jess Crane, to vote for people’s choice. Voting closes on February 28th. https://www.thewasteshed.com/discardisco
There is also an auction and raffle you can participate in. These end February 27th.
I hope you enjoyed learning more about the DiscarDisco and have enjoyed seeing the process and designs!
To become more involved in the Chicago fashion industry, check out AIBI. I am a longtime member and supporter of this organization. https://www.aibi.com/
To learn more about Minted media productions: https://www.mintedmediaproductions.com/
DiscarDisco Sponsors: Ette The Wedding Tailor, VS Printing, Excel Displays and Packaging
