Scraps by Second Vibess

About this idea

This project is not just about showcasing fashion. It is about activating a mindset shift and inviting people to reimagine the future of clothing through immersive storytelling, interactive exploration, and a celebration of creative reuse. Our exhibit is designed to demonstrate that sustainability, high fashion, and art not only coexist but thrive together when rooted in intention and community. Visitors will be encouraged to connect with fashion on a personal and tactile level. They will touch and examine swatches of natural, synthetic, and upcycled fabrics, gaining a deeper understanding of material choices and their environmental impact. A community “question wall” poses a provocative prompt about sustainability, inviting attendees to write their thoughts on sticky notes and add them to the wall. As responses accumulate, the installation becomes a living, evolving archive of public reflection on fashion, waste, and responsibility. A nostalgic video display made from stacked vintage televisions loops footage from past Second Vibess fashion shows, behind-the-scenes moments from garment creation, and clips from sustainability projects. These visuals blur the line between memory and documentary, creating an emotional connection to the work. Beside the TVs, a custom-designed book rests on a pedestal. Filled with sketches, deconstructed garment layouts, fashion editorials, and insights into slow fashion, the book functions as a tactile time capsule that bridges the past, present, and future of our fashion practice. One of the most striking pieces of the exhibit is a four-foot-tall wall decal of the number “85%,” constructed entirely from upcycled denim. This bold visual represents the staggering statistic that 85% of clothing ends up in landfills every year. Around it, handmade replicas of clothing bales used in bulk textile distribution create a dramatic reminder of the waste produced by fast fashion. QR codes nearby link to educational resources, local textile recycling programs, and Second Vibess’ ongoing sustainability efforts. The evolution of craftsmanship is represented through a display of three sewing machines, each mounted on a pedestal with an accompanying story card. One is antique, representing traditional methods. One is a standard modern machine used for everyday construction. The third is completely covered in denim and symbolizes innovation through reuse. From this final machine, a flowing patchwork textile cascades onto the gallery floor, visually tying past and future together. Behind the display, archival photographs and fashion shoots illustrate the long-standing connection between nostalgia and creativity. The fashion show is the heartbeat of this experience. Models will walk organically throughout the exhibit rather than down a traditional runway. This format allows attendees to engage up close with each garment, observing the intricate detail and craftsmanship involved. Each piece tells a story of transformation, merging waste with artistry. A professionally produced video, projected as part of the gallery, offers viewers a deeper look into the philosophy and process behind upcycled fashion. By merging interactive education, artistic storytelling, and community engagement, this project becomes much more than a fashion event. It is an immersive, visually compelling, and emotionally resonant experience that invites everyone to be part of a more sustainable future. Through curiosity, creativity, and conversation, it leaves a lasting impact that extends far beyond the gallery walls.

Impact

This project disrupts fast fashion culture and empowers our community to see waste as opportunity. By turning discarded materials into art and wearable design, we create a striking, emotional experience that connects everyday people to the environmental crisis they unknowingly contribute to. The fashion show and recycled art installation will not only challenge how people think about clothing but will invite them into the solution. The impact isn’t just in awareness; it’s in action. Our events spark real conversations, builds creative skills, and open doors for collaboration among artists, students, and sustainability advocates. The show’s format, immersive, interactive, and grounded in education, creates memorable experiences that stick with people long after they leave. Long term, we’re building a scalable model. Our installations and exhibits are designed to be adaptable for future events in different spaces and communities. We’re also fostering a local creative economy, supporting makers, stylists, and storytellers working in ethical fashion. By offering ongoing mentorship, education, and visibility, we create lasting economic opportunities for local creatives and amplify the movement toward a more sustainable future. Additionally, we will prioritize utilizing local small business vendors for all aspects of the production process, including food, music, and other event needs. This not only supports our local economy but also strengthens community relationships, furthering the inclusive and collaborative spirit of our project. Working with small businesses ensures that the impact of this project reverberates throughout our city, creating a network of like-minded individuals and organizations all working toward a common goal of sustainability and creative expression. We have built a reputation within the Grand Rapids creative community for delivering engaging, interactive experiences that draw strong participation. Our past events showcase our ability to create impactful, thought-provoking activations, and we have experience with DIY installations for our own business, as well as collaborations with others to craft exhibits that merge artistry with sustainability. Ultimately, we’re redefining what fashion looks like in Grand Rapids and beyond. Creative, ethical, and community driven. Our impact is cultural, economic, and environmental, and it’s just getting started. Through this initiative, we’re laying the foundation for sustainable fashion to grow, evolve, and thrive for years to come.

What I'll do with $5,000

This $5,000 grant will directly fund a groundbreaking, immersive upcycled fashion experience, a hybrid gallery, runway show, and educational art installation. It will support local artists, elevate the production value, and expand our reach. Here's the full breakdown: 1. Materials & Art Installations – $1,500 We’ll source post-consumer materials (denim, discarded clothes, vintage tech, scrap wood) and transform them into sculptural installations and wearable art. This includes: Raw materials: secondhand fabrics, mannequins, thread, paint, fasteners Tools and supplies: grommets, glue, needles, industrial scissors, hardware Display elements: foam board, recycled hangers, base structures, and mounting systems These funds allow us to create impactful, large-scale visuals and ensure garments are well-constructed, original, and durable. 2. Space Prep + Event Infrastructure – $1,000 Prepping space for installations Renting lighting equipment, or movable partitions Transportation for materials and art pieces We want to turn the space into an unforgettable sensory experience. Rental or purchase of projectors, speakers, mics, cords, etc. 3. Artist + Event Support – $1,500 Paying stipends to collaborators: models, photographers, stylists, videographers, DJ Providing food + beverages for team and volunteers 5. Print, Promo, and Documentation – $1000 We’ll design and print a limited-run fashion book that includes interviews, photography, QR links, and essays, serving as a physical takeaway and archive. Book design, layout, and print costs Flyers, posters, and promotional postcards Event signage and educational materials Marketing via social media platforms With this funding, we’ll turn a grassroots vision into a professional-level production that leaves a lasting mark on our community and proves that sustainable fashion can be bold, artistic, and unforgettable.

Quick Bio

I'm the co-founder of Second Vibess, a women-owned sustainable fashion shop using secondhand materials to create art, build community, and inspire change in how we view fashion and waste.

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