“Recycle the Runway,” that unique fashion show and luncheon where local designers showcase the runway-ready fashions they created out of a bag of used garments, has now come and gone, but the celebration of the creativity that was on display and the good work brought by Dress for Success Lexington will continue for a long time. It was simply amazing … or so I’m told by my mom, KyForward News Editor Terri Darr McLean, who attended today’s event. She has provided photos and a recap below. Congratulations Dress for Success Lexington on your first big fundraiser and fashion show! 

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Recycle the Runway was a hit, not only because it raised funds to support Dress for Success Lexington’s mission to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women in the area but because it also put the spotlight on some of Lexington’s most creative people. Before we feature the designers and their designs, however, kudos go out to one of the organization’s hardest workers – Amy Wickliffe – who organized this classy event, and did so with style.

A note about the designs: Each of the seven designers was given a bag of “unsuitable” used clothing to work with. They had no idea what was in their bags until they opened them. They then were charged with making wearable art out of their bags’ content.

Judges for Recycle the Runway were Betty Spain, owner of Bella Rose, Cliff Katsamakis, owner of Embry’s, and Ty McBrayer, owner of Twirl Boutique. Nancy Cox, news anchor for WLEX-TV, was host of the inaugural event.

First place went to Mauricio “Maui” Crane, an award-winning accessory and fashion designer, interior decorator, stylist and artist who lives in Lexington. Second place went to Samantha Jean Moore of Samsara Sana and third place was awarded to Joanna Haberman of Dragonfly House Designs. Nancy Cox of WLEX-TV was host of the event. Other designers who participated were Alisha Martin of Bad Button Bespoke Corsets, Lauren May, Rebecca Rauh and Amanda Wallace.

Another highlight of the fashion show came at the end when Dress for Success Lexington’s first client told her inspiring story and took a walk down the runway wearing none other than the suit she was given by the organization for a job interview. Here are the winning entries, and a  glimpse of their fabulous designs.