12 weeks ago, local designers were given a random bag of clothes to turn into a runway-ready look. The proceeds from the Aug. 27 show will benefit Dress For Success.
ROCK ISLAND, Ill. — Local designers will turn recycled clothing into high-fashion looks at the 2025 Recycle the Runway fashion show. All of the money raised will benefit Dress For Success Quad Cities.
Twelve weeks ago, local fashion designers were given bags filled with random clothing, shoes and accessories. The challenge is to take those scraps and create a totally new, runway-ready look.
This year’s Recycle the Runway fashion show will be at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 27, at The Stern Center in Rock Island. You can donate and/or secure your tickets here.
The event will be modeled after the TV show “Project Runway” with designers and teams competing to take home the title of best look.
Each designer received their bag of materials without knowing what was inside. At least 65% of the final design must come from the bag, though designers are allowed to add embellishments such as zippers, buttons or tulle. Entries are judged on creativity, craftsmanship, presentation and stage presence.
During the runway show, attendees will see the designers’ creations as well as behind-the-scenes insights into their process. The top three designers will win cash prizes.
Also, this year, you can attend a Designer Meet & Greet the night before on Tuesday, Aug. 26, at Crawford Brew Works in Bettendorf. Attendees can meet the competing designers, hear about their creative journeys, and see sneak peeks of their designs. Guests at the meet-and-greet will also be entered into a raffle for a free pair of tickets to the main event.
All proceeds from Recycle the Runway support Dress for Success Quad Cities, a nonprofit that empowers women to achieve financial independence by providing professional attire, career development tools and a supportive network. The organization offers free job-search assistance, workshops, career coaching, and professional clothing for women in eastern Iowa and western Illinois who are seeking employment, transitioning into a new field, or looking to advance in their careers.
Dress for Success emphasizes a proactive approach to career growth, encouraging women to invest in their professional development throughout their lives. Its programming goes beyond providing interview clothing to include the knowledge, skills, and support women need to succeed in work and life, from maintaining a job to advancing their careers and assuming leadership roles.
