Fashion Week Columbus Features Recycled Materials at Recycled Runway Show

Seven runway shows make up Fashion Week Columbus, and the Recycled Runway event brought unique designs stitched from recycled materials and pre-loved items to the stage on Nov. 11.

Held at The Loom, located at 161 N. Grant Ave., the showcase focused on sustainability and “wearable works of art.” First debuting in 2021, this year’s event highlighted the work of two designers: Adam Turns and Jenna Champer.

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For Champer, a graduate of the Columbus College of Art and Design, participating in the show at The Loom was particularly meaningful because the building formerly served as her college’s fine arts building.

“It’s been really great, and especially today, I [was] in this building 10 years ago when I went to CCAD,” Champer said. “It’s so weird being in the same place as I started.”

Champer’s collection featured a ‘70s medieval revival theme, combining rich materials and striking silhouettes drawn from vintage patterns and discarded clothes.

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“I really love vintage fabric and the patterns that are on vintage fabric,” Champer said. “I also like the material better, so I go out of my way to find [vintage] fabric. I love making things that are maybe inspired by one decade, but out of fabric from a totally different decade. That’s just my favorite thing to do.”

Founded in 2010, Fashion Week Columbus has evolved into the largest platform of its kind in Ohio, bringing together small businesses from the Central Ohio fashion community to launch and promote their brands. Eddie Parker, marketing director at The Loom, said the event aligns with the space’s long-term goals.

“It feels incredible — I think this is what the space was created for: to bring the fashion community together, all types of creatives,” Parker said. “To see a fashion show here tonight, mixed with models, creatives [and] designers — I mean, it’s the reason why we created this.”

Nia Noelle, program director for Fashion Week Columbus and the Columbus Fashion Council, said that watching the design community grow remains rewarding as the week’s events draw toward a close.

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“I feel like a proud mom because, these designers, we become family,” Noelle said. “It’s really exciting to see somebody cheered on outside of us, because we believe in them, and we see the vision, but when the public comes and sees it and supports it, it’s just that cherry on top of a sundae.”