Empowering Santa Cruz Students at FashionTeens
The vibrant spirit of Santa Cruz, CA, came alive at the Rio Theater as young artists took to the runway for the FashionTeens Santa Cruz Fashion Show. Organized by the Santa Cruz County Office of Education, this event is a beacon of creativity and social consciousness, inviting 6th to 12th graders from across the county to showcase their wearable art pieces crafted from alternative and repurposed materials.
High school student wears a corset top made from repurposed curtains, floral arm coverings remade from a found sweater and a refashioned skirt.
What sets FashionTeens apart is not just its focus on fashion, but its commitment to fostering social awareness among young minds. Many students seized the opportunity not only to showcase their design skills but also to make bold statements about issues close to their hearts.
This dress was made from corn husks and a thrifted skirt.
This year, the runway became a platform for activism as students addressed a myriad of societal concerns through their creations. From poignant reflections on animal testing to powerful critiques of societal pressures surrounding body image, statements against book banning and the power of the media, the students used their art to spark conversations and provoke thought.
Students highlighted the power of media and how we are all plugged in with reclaimed phone parts, circuit boards and a television made from a cardboard box.
It's inspiring to see young people channeling their creativity into meaningful expressions of advocacy and activism. By using fashion as a medium, they not only showcase their talents but also amplify their voices on issues that matter.
High schooler providing us a thoughtful look at how society pressures us to fit into a beauty standard. This student made her corset and denim skirt out of thrifted jeans.
As the curtains closed on another successful FashionTeens Santa Cruz Fashion Show, one thing became clear: the future of fashion is not just about aesthetics, but also about conscience and compassion. These students are not just designers; they are changemakers, using their art to shape a better world. Kudos to all the participants, organizers, and supporters who made this event a resounding success!
This piece titled “The Waste We Wear” used reclaimed trash and denim to speak about reducing our consumption for the health of our planet.
