Discarded to Divine

Sweet P from Project Runway fame and her artist husband Sage Vaughn at Discarded to Divine.

Discarded to Divine is my new favorite fashion event of the year and judging by the turnout last Thursday evening, I am not alone. A total of 900 fashion-conscious people from around the Bay Area showed up at the San Francisco Gift Center Pavilion anxious to see the creations of some our most talented designers.  

Here's the scoop on Discarded to Divine: Clothing donated to St. Vincent De Paul is chosen by freelance designers and fashion students from art schools around the city. Inspired by art work at the de Young Museum, the designers reconstruct the old clothing into new couture pieces. At the annual Discarded to Divine event, these creations are highlighted in a silent auction and a fashion show where attendees bid, raising funds for the poor and homeless of St. Vincent De Paul.

One of the first people I ran into when I arrived was Project Runway contestant (season four), Sweet P Vaughn. Her reconstructed red cocktail dress was scheduled for the runway show later in the evening. Just as friendly in person as on the show, Sweet P took the time to speak to me, so I asked her what she's been up to since the show. "Project Runway opened a lot of doors for me," she answered in her usual bright manner. "I've been doing wardrobe for commercials and speaking to colleges. People have been very supportive." Sweet P says she's still living in Los Angeles and in touch with the others in her season, particularly Kit, who also lives in LA.

While enjoying cocktails, the crowd had a chance to peruse the approxamately 100 designs which included men's and women's clothing, accessories, and home decor items. Designers were available to chat and answer questions. Models circulated, showing off pieces selected for the runway show. 

Jan Yanehiro was the Mistress of Ceremony and as Honorary Chair, San Francisco's First Lady Jennifer Siebel Newsom gave a brief introduction. At the end of the night, 90 thousand dollars was raised and some very lucky fashion collectors went home with real treasures.

Can't wait for next year!

 

Sweet P's cocktail dress was inspired by Andy Warhol's print of Elizabeth Taylor and sold for $470.

(Photo Credit: Ben Hoffman)

  
Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising student, Gail Simmonds is inspired by all things vintage and created a dress made out of men's ties.

  

Freelance designer, Rachel Lane created her piece using three silk shirts.

Maggie Baker and Trish Hurt are big supporters of St. Vincent De Paul.  

Comments

[Laura K]

Thanks for the great report. Sweet P and Sage look so happy!