With an emphasis on combining the work of artists, scientists and technologists to solve complex problems, Missouri S&T’s second annual “trashion” show takes place at noon Thursday, April 6, in the atrium of the Havener Center.

During the competition, students will model garments they’ve designed and made using materials that are at least 90 percent reused and recycled and are considered neither dangerous nor harmful. Examples of materials that can be used include food packaging and wrappers, electronic components, container lids, and construction materials.

Following an interdisciplinary jury’s scoring of each garment on creativity and complexity based on its innovation, sustainability, construction and overall visual impact, the Center for Creativity and Innovation will award $5,000 to the winning team, with $2,500 and $1,250 awarded to the second- and third-place teams, respectively. The team that wins the people’s choice category will be awarded $500.

The competition is open to teams of S&T students with no more than six members, with members representing at least two of S&T’s three colleges: the College of Arts, Sciences, and Education (CASE); the College of Engineering and Computing (CEC); and the Kummer College of Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Economic Development. Teams are responsible for recruiting an S&T student or faculty or staff member to model the garment on the runway.

Dr. Karen Head, director of the Center for Creativity and Innovation, says this year’s competition builds on the success of last year’s event. As reported in a story aired by St. Louis Public Radio in 2022, the concept behind the “trashion” show isn’t new, but the fact that it’s hosted by a university that doesn’t offer fashion design curriculum or courses sets S&T apart.

“Even though last year was the first time we’d done this event, the large number of participants proves that our students are hungry for an opportunity to try something different,” Head says. “’Trashion’ is a great way for students to push the boundaries of their own creativity and innovation, and to showcase their talent in ways that are unexpected.”

The event also engenders diversity, according to Head.

“The teams bring students together from a range of backgrounds who might not otherwise interact,” she says. “Last year, that led to problems being approached in new ways, offering an opportunity for them to use creativity to address issues that are important to them, such as gender and climate. I look forward to seeing how our students rise to the challenge at the heart of the competition this year.”

Students interested in forming teams should contact Head for competition guidelines and judging criteria. To participate in the show, teams will be required to submit a one- to two-page written statement explaining their artistic vision and technical process. For guidelines and to submit statements, student should contact Dr. Head at cci@mst.edu no later than Thursday, March 23.

About Missouri University of Science and Technology

Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) is a STEM-focused research university of over 7,000 students. Part of the four-campus University of Missouri System and located in Rolla, Missouri, Missouri S&T offers 101 degrees in 40 areas of study and is among the nation’s top 10 universities for return on investment, according to Business Insider. S&T also is home to the Kummer Institute, made possible by a $300 million gift from Fred and June Kummer. For more information about Missouri S&T, visit www.mst.edu.