There’s something magical about a space that not only invites you to witness art, but also lets you get your hands dirty and dive right into the creative chaos. The “Wasteworlds” fashion show at the Abbotsford Convent did just that—transforming the stunning venue into a playground for artistic expression, where the boundaries between audience and artist were beautifully blurred.
The weather couldn’t have been more perfect, with the sun casting its warm glow over the convent’s historic grounds. As I stepped into the space, I was immediately drawn to the centerpiece of the event: the gigantic patchwork-sewn moth. Its enormous open mouth spilled a black-and-white checkerboard runway that looked as if it had come alive from the pages of a surreal dream. It felt like an invitation to step into a world of pure imagination, where fashion was no longer just something to admire—it was something to create, to play with, and to wear proudly.
The layout of the convent’s Magdalen Laundry Room was equally inspired. Each quadrant had been cleverly labeled to represent iconic directional districts: Northland, Southland, Eastland, and Westfield. These weren’t just names—they were microcosms of creative possibility. As if stepping into different parts of the world, each district held a different energy and vibe, encouraging exploration and collaboration. It was the perfect environment to let loose and experiment with fashion in a way I hadn’t done in years.
The theme of the day was all about fun and free artistic expression. The best part? The audience was encouraged to participate. The organizers had laid out huge piles of pre-loved clothes—donated and ready for transformation—and provided our artistic tools: scissors, sewing machines, pins, and fabric galore. You were free to grab what you could and get to work. No judgment, no pressure. Just pure creative freedom.
I couldn’t resist the urge to dive right in. I grabbed some fabric, a few scraps of old tulle, and set about crafting a Dune-inspired veil—thinking of how the desert winds would billow it dramatically as I strutted down the runway. With my best Heidi Klum impersonation in mind, I took to the catwalk, feeling the playful, liberated spirit of the day wash over me. But it wasn’t just about making something to wear—it was about making something fun. The people around me were so full of joy, whether they were fashioning stuffed toys into elaborate coats or cutting up old pants to turn them into quirky face masks. One woman turned a handful of doilies into a delicate springtime fascinator, and children used fabric to create a fantastical characters. The sense of possibility was intoxicating.
Adding to the atmosphere was the witty and light-hearted commentary from the catwalk judges, who added an extra layer of humor and playfulness to the whole experience. Their jokes and quips had the crowd laughing, cheering, and feeling like we were all part of something truly special.
What I loved most about the event was the way it embraced sustainability without being preachy. The focus wasn’t on lecturing us about fast fashion—it was about making us feel empowered to take something “wasted” and transform it into something beautiful, something new, something uniquely ours. The concept of reimagining pre-loved clothes as a medium for artistic expression was a brilliant commentary on our relationship with materialism, consumption, and creativity.
“Wasteworlds” was more than just a fashion show; it was an experience—a celebration of creativity, community, and the power of giving discarded materials a second life. It reminded me that fashion doesn’t have to be about perfection—it’s about playing, experimenting, and making something that feels right for the moment. And that’s exactly what we all did on that gorgeous day in Abbotsford.
To book tickets to Wasteworlds, please visit https://fastfashun.com/wasteworlds.html.
Photographer: Theresa Harrison
