2023 CMG Red – The Graces – credit Wendy Newman. Photo submitted.
Asheville – The annual upcycled fashion show, Color Me Asheville by Goodwill, was set to return to Asheville on April 4, 2025, at The Orange Peel. This year’s event aimed to celebrate community resilience and healing in the wake of Hurricane Helene, with proceeds benefiting BeLoved Asheville.
Focus on Community Resilience and Healing
Ginger Salt, Goodwill’s chief communications and public affairs officer, noted that the event had evolved from its previous title, “Color Me Goodwill,” to better reflect the community’s spirit. “For several years, our fashion show has showcased Asheville’s artistic community while highlighting the impact of Goodwill’s employment and training services in the region,” she stated. “This year, the event will focus more on our community’s resilience and strength in the aftermath of the storm.”
The partnership with BeLoved Asheville was a significant addition to this year’s show. Lance Crawford, Goodwill’s director of workforce development in Asheville, explained, “BeLoved Asheville has been one of Goodwill’s valued community partners for several years. We’ve seen firsthand the leadership that BeLoved Asheville has shown in building community to make a direct impact, particularly following Hurricane Helene.” The decision to donate ticket proceeds to support local relief efforts was made to enhance the event’s impact.
Color Me Asheville featured runway collections created by seven design teams, all of whom had participated in previous shows. Each team selected a color theme for their collection and received $200 to shop at Goodwill for materials. The design teams included House of Sconiers, Stina Andersen, Valentina da Costa, The Three Graces, McKinney Gough Design, MPP McFabricators, and Sheila Thibodeaux.
Sara E. Butner, Public Affairs Manager at Goodwill Industries of Northwest North Carolina, shared insights on the shift in focus for this year’s event. “In past years, Color Me Goodwill has been such a powerful event because attendees hear directly from people who’ve been helped through Goodwill’s programs,” she remarked. “It didn’t feel right to hold the show as normal because nothing was ‘normal.’ But we saw the potential for the event to bring people together in a positive way.”
The design teams were selected based on their previous experience with the show, which allowed for a more streamlined planning process given the abbreviated timeframe of about 2.5 months. Butner emphasized that this year’s show was not a competition as it had been in the past; instead, it aimed to foster community togetherness. “The important thing is to bring people together as a community,” she stated.
The collections were designed to embody themes of healing and resilience. One designer even incorporated mud collected from flooded areas into her fabric dyeing process. Another designer chose relief workers as her models, while others selected music that resonated with their experiences related to the storm. “The theme of resilience has always been part of the backdrop of this event,” Butner noted. “This year, that idea is more at the forefront as our entire community continues to rebuild.”
The financial implications of Color Me Asheville were significant for BeLoved Asheville’s ongoing efforts. The proceeds from the event were expected to support various initiatives aimed at providing relief and resources for those affected by Hurricane Helene. Butner explained that BeLoved Asheville had provided immediate assistance following the storm and was committed to long-term solutions addressing housing insecurity and expanding access to food and medical care.
“By attending and contributing to Color Me Asheville, supporters are investing in a more resilient, compassionate Asheville where no one is left behind,” Butner concluded.
As the event approached, excitement built around its potential to unite the community while showcasing local talent and creativity through fashion. The Color Me Asheville fashion show represented not only an artistic endeavor but also a vital step towards healing and rebuilding within the Asheville community.
