The popular Color Me Goodwill upcycled fashion show recently returned before a sold-out audience at The Orange Peel in downtown Asheville.
Six local fashion design teams competed in the 7th Annual Color Me Goodwill show, presenting color-inspired runway collections made from repurposed clothing and items found at Goodwill stores.
Each collection included a model who has participated in one of Goodwill’s employment and training programs. During the show, videos introducing each collection shared the clients’ stories. Watch the videos on Goodwill’s YouTube channel.
“Tonight, we celebrate the creative vision of six local designers who have transformed materials found at local Goodwill stores into stunning collections of color-inspired fashion,” said Lance Crawford, Goodwill’s director of workforce development for the Asheville area, in his welcoming remarks. “We also recognize the inspiring stories of six Goodwill program participants who embody the Goodwill mission and remind us why we donate, shop, and work at Goodwill.”
“Through Goodwill’s programs and services, individuals find employment, grow in confidence, and achieve success in countless ways,” he continued. “Every time you donate to Goodwill or shop in our stores, you are making a positive impact in someone’s life. Thanks to your support, Goodwill was able to serve more than 4,000 people in western North Carolina last year alone. This is a testament to the power of community and what we can achieve when we come together to support each other.”
Designers compete for $500 first prize awarded by a panel of expert judges and a $200 prize based on audience votes. The designers and teams for the 7th annual Color Me Goodwill were:
First Place Winner:
Sybil Todd – Blue Collection
Goodwill Model: Felix Soto, Goodwill Skills Training Program
Audience Choice Winner:
Rosanne Capone – Purple Collection
Goodwill Model: Marilyn Malpass, Goodwill Career Connections
The Three Graces – Red Collection
Goodwill Model: Beverly Griffin, Community Access Program
Mae Reilly Mueller – Green Collection
Goodwill Model: Reagan Sizemore, Goodwill Youth Services (OneLife)
Valentina da Costa – Yellow Collection
Goodwill Model: Carolyn Ellsworth, EDGE Program
Vivien Gough – Orange Collection
Goodwill Model: Israel Mayfield, EDGE Program and Goodwill Career Connections
This year’s Color Me Goodwill judges were Charles Josef, the owner and designer at Charles Josef Bridal and Charles Josef Swimwear in Asheville; Danielle Chaboudy, award-winning costume designer and owner of Enchanted Forest consignment boutique; and Keith McDade, professor and director of the Sustainability Studies master’s program at Lenoir-Rhyne University’s Montford campus. Judges score the collections’ originality, construction of garments, creative use of materials and overall cohesiveness.
Photo: Blue Collection by Sybil Todd (far right), winner of First Place at the 7th Annual Color Me Goodwill fashion show, featuring Goodwill client model Felix Soto (second from right). By Wendy Newman Photography.