Runway Revival 2025: Wear To Care Competition

Contestants are challenged to upcycle clothing destined for landfill into a ready-to-wear outfit. The competition aims to encourage more conscious decisions when shopping –  not only to turn the tide on fast fashion, but to raise precious funds for our Family Works programmes, helping to feed, clothe and support our Otago community.

The competition itself offers three themes to push the boundaries of upcycling, focusing on designs that are not just stylish, but practical and replicable.

1)     Denim Re-defined – denim never goes out of fashion, but it does go into landfill. How could you upcycle hardy, pre-loved denim to keep it in use and rockin’ for as long as possible?

2)     Wedding Dress Redemption – the epitome of a single-use item, wedding dresses are worn once then stored away forever. How could you upcycle this voluminous classic into something that can be used time and again?

3)     9 to 5 Re-imagined – the average person works for 40 years in their lifetime, that’s a lot of work and a lot of workwear. How could you upcycle pre-loved traditional office wear to keep it interesting, stylish and in use, for longer?

PLEASE NOTE: This competition is a ready-to-wear fashion competition, NOT a wearable art competition.

●       Entries are open to teams or individuals

●       There is a non-refundable $25 entry fee to be paid upon registration. In return, Shop on Carroll will issue contestants with a $100 voucher to purchase pre-loved items from within the store, to use within your clothing design. $50 will go towards your theme Starter Pack, and $50 will go towards additional materials.

●       Judges will be looking for 25 Finalists to showcase their garments at Shop on Carroll’s RUNWAY REVIVAL Charity Fashion Show, on Thurs 3 April, as part of iD Fashion Festival 2025. Other entries may be displayed in Shop on Carroll.

●       There is a timeline for production which must be adhered to – please see below. Shop on Carroll will check in on your creative progress leading up to submission of your final garment.

●       Participants are responsible for supplying a model for the runway show, this could be yourself or a friend.

●       Participants are responsible for organising their model, hair and make-up before arrival at the venue.

●       Contestants must document and edit their garment design journey into a final 45-60 sec video, which will be used for advertising, social media, and at the RUNWAY REVIVAL Charity Fashion Show to introduce your creation.

●       At least one item from your ‘Starter pack’ must be included in your creation.

●       Garment seams must be sewn or otherwise permanently fastened (not glued)

●       This competition is recommended for ages 14 and over. By entering you have confirmed that you are happy for your image and name to be used if you are selected as a finalist/finalist’s model. For those under the age of 18, parental consent must be obtained, this is the responsibility of the person entering the competition.

Prizes will be awarded for design innovation, creativity, execution, and circularity. The judge's decision will be final.

First place $300 Shop on Carroll gift voucher + Key Sponsor’s prize
Runner up $150 Shop on Carroll gift voucher + Key Sponsor’s prize
Third place $100 Shop on Carroll gift voucher

Finalists have the option to keep their garment, or donate their garment to be sold for charity following the show.

Entries will be judged by the following criteria:

●       Innovation – innovative use of pre-loved materials.

●       Creativity – the creative concept and design aligns with one of the three themes: Denim Re-Defined, Wedding Dress Redemption, 9-5 Re-imagined.

●       Circularity – re-use the pre-loved garments provided by Shop on Carroll. Points will be deducted for the use of new / non-secondhand materials.

●       Execution – made to a high standard, fits the body, allows movement and has a life beyond the event.

5 Jan 2025
Registration closes

Week commencing 6 Jan 2025
Collect your $100 voucher and Starter Pack from Shop on Carroll, 169 Princes Street, Dunedin Central

31 Jan - 1 Feb 2025
Creative check-in #1 – initial face-to-face meeting with Shop on Carroll representative to share your idea, moodboard, and anything else to help portray your vision

13 Feb 2025
Creative check-in #2: Zoom show-n-tell with Shop on Carroll representative to see progress on garment production

28 Feb -1 Mar 2025
Creative check-in #3: In-store or home visit with Shop on Carroll representative, final check-in to see progress on garment production

16 Mar 2025
Garment construction is complete; bring your final garment into Shop on Carroll

17-20 Mar 2025
Judging and 25 Finalist selection

21 Mar 2025
25 Finalists notified

Week commencing 24 Mar 2025
Model choreography & run through at venue

27 Mar 2025
Final 45-60 secs edited videos submitted to Shop on Carroll. Video brief and guidelines to be announced via email on Mon 6 Jan.

3 April 2025
Show time! Shop on Carroll RUNWAY REVIVAL Charity Fashion Show & Awards ceremony
The competition and event is designed to encourage people to rethink the way they shop for and source clothing – not only is shopping pre-loved more eco-conscious and better for the environment, but the precious funds raised at Shop on Carroll go towards our Family Works Otago charity programme, including the foodbank, child and family support, and emergency welfare response.

By entering this competition you are directly supporting the people of Otago – thank you.

Any questions, please email Cristin Waite, Retail Manager, Shop on Carroll cristin.waite@psotago.org.nz