This year’s show, which was previewed by Local 12, presented students with an added challenge, however. The 45 design students who participated were encouraged to choose materials that were not clothing-related. Their creations utilized unique finds such as book pages, puzzle pieces, lampshades, baseball gear, flags, tents, comforters, drapes, Mardi Gras beads, baskets, tablecloths, broken CDs and more.

“Even something as non-chic as adult diapers was transformed into stunning runway pieces,” says Laurie Wilson, an instructor at UC’s College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning (DAAP) who oversees the collaboration.