By Sarah Eppenbach

Special to the Weekly

Do you gaze at a bundle of vintage silk neckties and envision a chic cocktail gown? Or think a discarded Twister game might make a kicky little dress? Could you glimpse Cleopatra’s headdress lurking inside a broken reed curtain, or conjure an outfit from heating tubing and tractor tire parts? If so, you might be a Trashionista at heart.

These were just a few of the creations that elicited gasps of wonder and shrieks of laughter at last year’s Trashion-Fashion Show.

The funky-wacky over-the-top showstopper known as Trashion-Fashion will be held at Lopez Center at 4:30 p.m Saturday, Aug. 9. Robert Herrmann will return as co-emcee, joined by jewelry artist CiCi, a familiar presence from the Lopez Saturday Market. Together they will shepherd the parade of Lopez creative spirits across the stage and onto the runway to “flaunt their flair” before a three-judge panel charged with awarding an array trophies cobbled together from the Take-It-Or-Leave-It. Judges for the event will be Jan Scilipoti, Jeff Nichols, and Joyce Brinar. If prior shows are any indicator, they will have their work cut out for them.

In its third year, Trashion-Fashion is a fundraising and promotional event put on by SWAP (Solid Waste Alternatives Program), the non-profit organization supporting the Lopez Solid Waste Disposal District. In addition to raising funds to augment the Dump’s budget, the event showcases the concept of “Reuse, Repurpose, Recycle” in a way that is entertaining for participants and audience alike. “It’s a serious message that we try to deliver un-seriously,” says SWAP board member Kate Scott, who appeared on the runway last year in a dress crafted of plastic bubble wrap and drinking straws—used straws, of course.

Lopez Trashionistas can obtain an entry form at Paper, Scissors on the Rock, Deja Vu, Isabel’s, and the Southend General Store, or online at www.lopezsolidwaste.org. Trashion-Fashion creations must be wearable, be made out of recyclables or repurposed items, and be modeled on the Lopez Center runway at the show. Entries can be as individuals or teams. Past shows included memorable team entries from family members, friends, and co-workers.

Tickets to the performance will be available at Paper Scissors on the Rock, the Southend General Store, and at the door for a suggested $15 donation. Plans include a no-host bar, free “junk food” snacks, and a chance to mingle with the models after the show.