Trash-to-fashion conservation show to return
Ticket sales will open next week for the return of a trash-to-fashion conservation runway show.
In partnership with the Shell Point Retirement Community’s Tribby Arts Center, the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge (DDWS) will host REVIVE! Trash-To-Fashion: Couture Collection on Nov. 4 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Sundial Beach Resort & Spa on Sanibel. With doors opening at 11 a.m., it will feature a runway show with cash prizes, catered lunch and more.
“It’s about education and how when creativity and conservation and nature come together, the changes we can make in our community,” DDWS Events, Marketing & Grants Manager Angeli Chin said.
“It’s coming together in a larger effort to protect wildlife, improve our water quality and inspire environmental stewardship across the region,” she added.
Building on the success of two prior Project Refuge shows, proceeds raised will support habitat restoration and conservation education at the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge.
The event will open with a prosecco greeting.
“There will be a shop where all the monies raised will go back to refuge,” Chin said.
It will showcase recycled or upcycled items by vendors found in the Refuge Nature Store at the refuge’s Visitor & Education Center and Lifestyles Store on Periwinkle Way, plus at ShopDingDarling.com.
Artist Rachel Pierce and DDWS volunteer Mary Meyer will serve as the emcees for the show.
It will feature 30 designers and 32 designs, including five junior designers ages 8-17.
“We had over 60 applicants apply,” she said.
Some are returning participants from the previous Project Refuge shows.
“Some are students, some are first-time designers, some are just inspired by the creativity and the ability to try something different,” Chin said. “There are several professional designers.”
The garments had to be made of at least 75% recycled or reused materials, not including shoes.
“They all have to adhere to the standards,” she said. “It’s all about the conservation mindset and being able to take reclaimed materials and make something beautiful.”
A panel of three judges will score the entries based on their creativity, originality, craftsmanship, innovation in material use, artistic design, runway presence and environmental messaging.
Cash prizes will be awarded to the winning designers, including $5,000 for first place, $3,000 for second place and $2,000 for third place. There is also a Junior Designer Award for $300, plus a $200 gift certificate, and a Best Accessories Award for $200, plus a $100 gift certificate.
“We’re incredibly thankful for all of the sponsors who believe in conservation and education on this front,” Chin said. “Without their support, we would not be able to offer this.”
Following the show, the refuge will open to the public a free-admission, curated exhibition of REVIVE! works from Nov. 12 through Dec. 27 in its newly remastered auditoriums. The Tribby Arts Center in Fort Myers will show the exhibit from Jan. 8 through Feb. 18, also free to the public.
Show tickets are $125 per person and include a plated lunch catered by the Sundial.
They will go on sale on Aug. 27.
The community is encouraged to secure a seat.
“REVIVE! brings our community together around creativity, innovation and environmental responsibility,” she said.
“Every ticket or sponsorship is a partnership in protecting the things that mean the most to us: our wildlife, water quality and educating the next generation,” Chin added. “When we invest in events like this, we invest in the future of Southwest Florida.”
For tickets, visit https://tinyurl.com/revive2026.
Sponsorship opportunities are still available.
For more information, including about sponsorships, visit dingdarlingsociety.org/revive or contact Chin at 239-286-5500 or angeli@dingdarlingsociety.org.
The Sundial Beach Resort & Spa is at 1451 Middle Gulf Drive, Sanibel.
The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge is at 1 Wildlife Drive, Sanibel.
The Tribby Arts Center is at 17281 On Par Blvd., Fort Myers.
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IF YOU GO
What
REVIVE! Trash-To-Fashion: Couture Collection
When
Nov. 4 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where
Sundial Beach Resort & Spa, 1451 Middle Gulf Drive, Sanibel
Details
Tickets are $125