Stunning Trash Chic Exhibit in the Gallery!

Vikki Nulman, Amanda Lovell and Larissa Losilevich helped students create an outstanding gallery show.

For the Trash Chic competition and exhibition, entrants didn’t have to be able to sew – but they did have to be able to think outside the box. This competition inspired utmost creativity in the most ecologically friendly way.

The assignment was to create a garment out of anything but fabric. It had to be a size 6, wearable, and sustainable–not disposable–a garment that could last. Entrants could glue, sew, weave, crochet or knit their garments, as long as the medium used was not fabric.

Re-using items that are intended for other purposes is the key; saving the environment is the additional benefit in this ultimate eco-friendly competition. The materials are often items that would be thrown away, but these creative students have been able to see things with fresh eyes. According to Wikipedia, “Upcycling is the process of converting waste materials or useless products into new materials or products of better quality or a higher environmental value.”


The first prize in the competition, a size 6 dress form, was won by Fashion Design student and ADA Cheryl Sigretto; second prize by US Marine veteran Ricky Jimenez; third prize by US Navy veteran Che’ Elliott Jones, both winning Yuki sewing machines. (The Art Institute of New York City is proud to be a “Military Friendly school”). Fourth prize, a gift card, was won by Emily Schwank.

The local newspaper (Tribeca Trib) editor and reporter were at the Opening Reception for an hour and a half! Many other media representatives have been invited, and hopefully will come during the show's run, up until the end of May.