"You're going to see something you've never seen before," said Kim Morrow, describing the Trashion Fashion Avant Garb Show. "You'll be surprised at the creativity." The event will be held on Saturday, Oct. 22, at Switchboard Gallery, 40 N. Third St., Columbia, on the second floor.

Sponsored by Columbia Creative Factory, the event will feature a fashion show from 5 to 7 p.m. followed by an after party from 7 to 9 p.m. Participants in the fashion show will spotlight outfits made with recycled, reused or repurposed items. "As the name implies, the emphasis is on recycling materials that might ordinarily be thrown out once they have served their intended purpose," noted Morrow, an event committee member.

Morrow explained that the first event of this kind in the area was held in 2016. "I went to the first one, and for years, I've wanted to do it again," she said. "I was so impressed by the creativity on display." In that event, participants modeled outfits made from packing supplies, cardstock and accordioned paper, among other materials.

Vicki von Schaaf, another committee member, recalled a similar event held annually when she lived in New York. She joined other committee members, including Columbia Creative Factory co-founder Mychal LaVia and artist Peggi Donnan, to bring the event back to town. Von Schaaf's grandchildren participated in the 2016 event and will be taking part in this year's show as well.

That's one of the many appeals of the Trashion Fashion show, said Morrow. "It's really an ageless event," she stated. "It's appealing to kids through adults."

The evening will begin with a red carpet and runway for models to display their creations. Attendees will hear the artist's statement about each piece, and the outfits will be judged in one of three categories - children age 10 and under, teens ages 11 to 17, and adults age 18 and over. "We want people to continue to wear their costume for the after party, so they can give audience members a chance to see the creation up close and to talk about their creative process," Morrow stated. Hors d'oeuvres will be served at the after party, and a variety of eco-friendly vendors will be on-site. Live music will be featured by Albie von Schaaf and Joe Cigan. Adult beverages may be purchased from Columbia Kettle Works, located on the first floor of the venue.

The Trashion Fashion show is also a benefit to raise funds for local arts organizations and offer children the opportunity to participate in music or art lessons, programs or workshops. Ticket purchasers will be able to note where they would like their donations to be used.

Morrow noted that the organizers hope to make the fashion show an annual event. "I love doing things that promote the community and get people together," she remarked. "It's going to be a fun evening."

For more information, search for "Trashion Fashion Avant Garb" on Facebook.