Thank you to everyone who attended our Runway Show!
Ragfinery’s “Rags to Riches” Runway Show was on Saturday, October 26th, 2024, at The Majestic in Bellingham. This creative reuse showcase featured stunning designs made from repurposed textiles, celebrating both sustainability and artistic innovation of our local designers.
Proceeds from the event support our programs, including the relaunch of our workshops, which are back for the first time since the 2020 lockdown! Our first workshop in early August sold out within an hour, demonstrating the community's strong demand for our programming. Funds also support our textile waste diversion initiatives, job training and creation efforts, and provide low-barrier access to garments, textile art supplies, and artist support.
Please enjoy our designer recap:
All photos are thanks to Sean Faber: https://www.instagram.com/sean.faber/
Arrow Cash Chiavario Contact: Arrowchiavario@gmail.com
My name is Arrow Cash Chiavario, I am 19 years old and was introduced to sewing a year ago. The inspiration behind my pieces is connection. Connection with those around me and our earth. Thank you for taking the time to view my work, I am forever grateful.
Aurora Toast- Quantum Sewing
Contact: Auroratoast@gmail.com
Hi I'm Aurora AKA Quantum Sewing. My sewing journey began in March 2020,by making masks for my students. By June, I was teaching myself to make clothing. I still have a lot left to learn, but I am happy just to normalize the art of slow fashion :)
Cathi Aldrich
Contact: Cathialdrich@gmail.com
Hi, I'm Cathi Aldrich, creator of Ease Custom Haus. I am a brewer by trade, and a volunteer mender at Ragfiney. As a life long thrift shopper with an artistic drive, upcycling has been part of my life since before it was part of my vocabulary. I live my fashion life somewhere between Kurt Cobain, Betsy Johnson, and Princess Dianna with inspiration from Lucille Ball, Vera Bradley, and Lady Gaga. I have a cutie clown couple showcasing two quilt tops sourced from Ragfinery. IG: @easecustomhaus
Claire Campo
Contact: Campoclaire@yahoo.com
I volunteer for Ragfinery as a mender, with experience in sashiko mending. My artistic style is whimsical and a bit dramatic, which I expressed by creating a boro suit with a gold liner for this show. The idea of transforming old suits and office wear into something new and beautiful really excites me, reflecting the theme of turning 'Rags to Riches.'
Clare Gaskill
The orchid opts for regal opulence and standing tall, unswayed by the winds. The rigid structure of the bodice, given by interfacing scraps and a lining of upcycled tamale bags, contrasts the wildness of the orchid print and ornamentation. A full skirt utilizes yardage from Ragfinery with godets balancing the bright yellow from top to bottom. Any offcuts became appliques, simultaneously eliminating textile waste and enhancing the melding of colors. Custom buttons, cut from scrap wood, add texture to the tangle of jungle prints.
Corinna Healey-Smith
I earned my BFA in Mixed Media from ASU in 1999. I have a husband, a daughter & a cat named Icarus. I’m more of a painter & doodler by trade. My focus is on portraiture. As I get older, I have begun to challenge myself to engage in activities outside of my comfort zone. If you’d like to see more of my creations, please feel free to check me out on IG @corinnathegreat
Corinna Healey-Smith Online Shop: Corinnathegreat@hotmail.com
Heidi O'Ferrall- Forest Girl Clothing Online Shop: Forestgirlclothing.com
My work is inspired by a fantasy forest: earthy, enchanting, and at times dark and mysterious. I find that arranging recycled materials can also be a method of storytelling. This piece invokes the spooky season through frayed edges, asymmetry, and a dark color palette. Soft textures and hand-dyed lace add a touch of cozy elegance to this look.
Joy Love
Contact: Joygirl1111@hotmail.com
I love the creative process of making functional items from materials that could have ended up in a landfill. Upcycling is a serious challenge that I’ve been inspired to do more of for the sustainability factor. I struggle between wanting to make wild unwieldy designs vs practical wearable items.
Lucya Rasmussen
Contact: Lucyarasmussen@gmail.com
I'm Lucya Rasmussen, a designer and collage artist based in Bellingham, WA. As an artist, I take inspiration from geometry and sculpture, preferring to think of clothing as art worn on the body. I carefully consider functionality, personality, and elegance before fusing them together in each wearable art piece.
Suzanne Lundberg- The GOat’s Coat
Online Shop: thegoatscoat.com
“Arcosanti Couture" is inspired by the great work of Frank Loyd Wright and Paolo Soleri. Architecture reimagined into textiles: fusing shapes, patterns, and visible stitching. Sophisticated street-style meets "I woke up this way." Comfort adopts glamour as this collection is entirely made of jersey tees and sweatshirts.
Leslie Grace & Renee Teshera
Contact: lesliegrace1@gmail.com & reneeteshera@yahoo.com
Renee: Fabric has always spoken to me. Material begs me to cut it into smaller pieces, rearrange it, then sew it back into a bigger item. Any day that allows me to play with fabric is a good day!
Leslie: I saw a child's tree dress I loved years ago and decided to recreate that theme. Trees have always been some of my best friends. I recycle everything and think recycled fiber and clothing is so important.
Congrats to our five category winners!
Biggest Transformation: Heidi O’Ferrall (top middle)
Most Creative Use of Materials: Joy Love (bottom middle)
Best Presentation: Suzanne Lundberg (bottom left)
Judges Choice: Claire Campo (top left)
People’s Choice: Arrow Cash Chiavario (right)
