New Carnival has launched its boldest creative venture yet with the debut of ‘Trash to Trend’ – a sell-out sustainable fashion show that transformed waste into wearable art at Appuldurcombe House, Wroxall.
More than 60 young people aged 12 to 30 took to the catwalk to showcase 34 original designs, cheered on by a packed audience of parents, friends, and invited guests. The event marked a major milestone in New Carnival’s ‘Isle of Creativity’ programme, which has been made possible with funding from Arts Council England.
The show was the result of months of work across workshops held at The Bay School, IW College and The Island Free School. Led by New Carnival Director Hannah Ray and Central Saint Martins graduate Joel Lines, participants explored the intersection of carnival costume and couture fashion, using sustainable techniques such as cardboard sculpting, fused plastics, appliqué, and upcycling.
Weekly sessions at New Carnival’s Ryde workshop and eight masterclasses with designer-performer Henry George (aka Quivers) helped the young creatives develop their skills and confidence. Quivers also hosted the event and sat on the judging panel, joined by Marnie Janway from Inclusive Island and Joel Lines.
Quivers has said:
“I’ve been able to work with a few of this lovely lot on some items and skills over the last few months, but it was a drop in the ocean of what they managed to produce for their final pieces.
“It makes me so happy to see so many wonderful young people developing their creative skills, making new friends and building confidence. They’re all absolute crackers and I cannot wait to see what they all do next!”
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A total of 11 prizes were awarded, including 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in three age categories, plus awards for Audience Favourite and Most Sustainable Design:
- 12–15: 1st – Olive, 2nd – Mia, 3rd – Scarlet
- 16–18: 1st – Charlotte, 2nd – Dejanay, 3rd – Orion
- 18+: 1st – Lewis, 2nd – Francine, 3rd – Joe
- Audience Favourite: Rosie from Isle of Creativity
- Most Sustainable Design: Polly and Romei from IW Free School
Honey’s Doughnuts sponsored the final two awards and treated guests to freshly made doughnuts, milkshakes and refreshments. The event also featured vintage fashion installations from the ‘Wardrobe of Weirdness’, music from DJ Kaftan and DJ Shuffla, and technical support from Stage Gear Rentals.
Audience members praised the show as ‘inspiring’ and ‘fully inclusive’, with 63% of attendees saying the event definitely raised their awareness of sustainable fashion.
New Carnival extended thanks to Stenbury Hall, Ventnor Exchange Ingram’s Yard, and all supporters who helped bring the event to life. The ‘Trash to Trend’ show highlighted the power of youth creativity and community arts to drive change – one stitch at a time.
