“What is Trashion?”

By Mariama Hawkins

What is Trashion?

Trashion is an annual fashion show hosted by two Mississippi State organizations, Fashion Board and Fashion House, with a focus on fashion design using sustainable concepts, materials, and even trash. However, this show is not limited to fashion design students or just members of these organizations. Last year, we had art majors participate in the show, proving that the designs and materials used are only limited by imagination.

A few of my favorite designs included a collection by Bella Nichols, who used real unbroken plates, Kassidy Labit's (Dizz) tea party fascinator headband, Morgan Hilfiker and Shelby Lofton's flight jacket dress, Ariana McCoy’s trash bag Roaring '20s dress, and Devyn Lashae’s newspaper dress.

I also created a collection that consisted of 10 garments. To see more in-depth pictures, you can visit my website at Mariamahawkins.com.

What Inspired Me to Take Part in Trashion?

As a fashion design student, I try my best to participate in as many design opportunities as possible. I know that right now is the time for exploration before my free time is consumed by adulting and my "big girl job." Trashion is a great way for me to let off steam and design for models like Reeny Claire Woodward, who I wouldn’t normally work with since I don't plan to pursue a career in children's fashion.

‘Don’t be overly committed to an idea,’ was one of the biggest lessons I learned during this experience. Just 48 hours before the show one of my garments got scrapped. I had cut out a new pair of shorts and decided to scrap the nearly completed pair because I didn’t like the way the fabric looked on my model. The second option I made turned out perfect.

Working in the fashion design lab less than 24 hours before the show was an unforgettable experience. Honestly, all of us were sleep-deprived, but the adrenaline of being so close to the show kept us going. Over the hum of sewing machines and the bass thumping in our headphones, our small chats made us connect on a deeper level.

Working with upcycled materials challenged and enhanced my creativity. I had to think about how to transform items into new forms without destroying their integrity. For example, when I made a corset out of couch seat material, the fibers lacked the strength to support grommets and ribbon, so I reinforced the underside with faux leather.

 The main idea I took away from this experience is: USE WHAT YOU HAVE. I did not purchase any additional craft materials for this collection. I borrowed, bartered, and was donated the majority of what I used, down to the tools. Everything else came from my closet or stash. This year, I’ve been very inspired by the "pan projects" I’ve seen on TikTok people aiming to hit pan or deplete their stash before buying something new. If we all did that and just used what we had until it was finished, imagine the kind of change we could make.

With that being said, you are good enough and capable enough today. If there’s something you want to accomplish but have been putting off until you get better or until you have a special gadget, I promise your future self will be proud if you push past the noise and get started today. Focus on improvement and practice not perfection.

I encourage you to start your own sustainable fashion journey, whether through upcycling, thrifting, or designing. The best time to start is now!

Mariama’s 10 Garments for Trashion!

Couch turned Corset!