by NNN Correspondent Susan Genett

Plastic bottles, shopping bags, gift boxes, magazines, newspapers, junk mail, records, yogurt covers, beer coasters, soda cans, champagne corks, shoe scraps, old clothes and household junk were recycled into fashion at Groundwork Providence’s Runway Earth 7 Wednesday night, inside the spectacular Roger Williams Park Botanical Center. Designs ranged from a sophisticated evening gown infused with several t-shirts to a whimsical knee-high dress completely covered in aluminum yogurt tops.

Twenty-five unique designs displayed the versatility of everyday trash, such as white shopping bags, old curtains and Poland Spring bottle wrappers. Other designs displayed by "local celebrity" models were a dress made completely of neckties, a kimono of 1,000 tea bags, and a vest made of beer coasters. Groundwork Providence President Monica Anderson sported a “wrap” dress with a detachable train made of thermal blankets recycled from a marathon. Most of the designs may not be fit to wear beyond the runway, but for the more practical-minded, one designer displayed cloth shopping bags created with recycled materials, an accessory fit for just about everyone. 

A fun and entertaining event to enjoy out-of-the-box creativity quite literally! And a great way to support the awesome work done by Groundwork Providence -- when 40,000 new trees are growing in the city thanks to their efforts, you'll see what I mean.

Click on "More..." for more great photos from the event by NNN Contributor Daniel Gagnon.

Photos by NNN Contributor Daniel Gagnon.