ReWear Runway
Fashion Show Application
Applications close on July 10th at 4pm.
Finalists will be notified late July.
The ReWear Runway reimagines what fashion can be by celebrating the creativity of transforming reclaimed and upcycled materials into wearable fashion.
As part of the Zero Waste Festival, this inaugural event showcases garments created from reclaimed, repaired, reused, and repurposed materials. Through creativity, reconstruction, and reuse, the ReWear Runway highlights practical and inspiring alternatives to wasteful fashion consumption, demonstrating how fashion can be environmentally conscious and stylish.
We’re looking for designs that:
- are primarily created from reclaimed, repaired, or repurposed materials or preloved clothing
- demonstrate original creativity and thoughtful transformation of existing materials into wearable fashion
- reflect the values of ReWear Runway, including sustainability, creativity, accessibility, and inclusion
- have a story about the origin and reuse of the materials used
- consider functionality and wearability beyond the runway
Recognition and Awards
Be part of a values-led runway showcase at Fed Square, with professional photos of the runway for finalists, public exposure, community recognition and a chance to tell the story of your work. Final judging on the day will focus on the completed garment, its craftsmanship and wearability, and the designer’s story of material reuse, repair, and transformation.
Award recipients will be announced at the conclusion of the event on September 12th.
What you need to know to Apply
The event welcomes community participants, students, designers, and creatives who have an interest in sustainable fashion and creative reuse.
- Participants must select only one garment to present on the ReWear Runway.
- Applicants must submit images of either a sketch and notes (include images of previous work for reference), work-in-progress with sketches or notes, or a completed garment aligned with the ReWear Runway brief.
- Applications will be assessed against the judging criteria, and shortlisted entrants will be announced as ReWear Runway finalists.
- 30 finalists will be selected to present their garments on the ReWear Runway. Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application and finalist selections late July.
- Please note garments must be completed by September 12 to participate.
What happens if you're selected as a finalist?
Finalists will be selected based on their written application, including their garment concept, creative approach, and supporting images.
As a ReWear Runway finalist, you will:
• Showcase your design as part of the ReWear Runway event on 12 September 2026.
• Have your work featured on the Zero Waste Victoria website, social media and promotional channels, where available.
•Receive a minimum of one professional digital photograph of your garment on the runway. Additional event and group photographs will also be made available.
• Receive up to a 50% discount at The Fabric Re-Store (conditions apply).
• Receive a Certificate of Participation and the bragging rights of being a finalist in Zero Waste Victoria’s inaugural ReWear Runway.
• Be eligible to compete for awards, cash prizes and special recognition.
Prizes and Awards
The three awards for 2026 ReWear Runway Fashion Show are
- ReWear Runway Award for excellence in creative reuse and zero-waste fashion design, including a $300 cash prize and a professional photo shoot package valued at $1,000
- $200 Youth Designer Recognition Award (25 years and under), supporting emerging creatives in sustainable fashion
- $100 People’s Choice Award, voted by the audience
Additional prizes, special mentions and certificates may also be awarded at the judges’ discretion.Award recipients will be announced at the conclusion of the event on September 12th.
Judging criteria
Sustainability
- reduction of waste through thoughtful- construction methods (including minimising fabric scraps)
- use of reclaimed, repaired, or repurposed materials or preloved clothing as the primary source of material
- avoidance of new materials except thread and necessary hardware
Craftsmanship & Wearability
- functionality & practicality beyond the runway
- ease of movement and comfort
- durability and garment construction quality
- ability to withstand repeated wear and washing
Creativity
- originality and fresh perspective in concept or material use
- successful translation of creative ideas into the final garment
- potential to inspire accessible and achievable sustainable fashion practices in others
Photography and filming
Please note that the ReWear Runway and Zero Waste Festival may be photographed, filmed, or recorded. By participating, entrants consent to photographs and video footage of themselves and their garments being used by Zero Waste Victoria across digital channels, social media, website content, and promotional materials.
The Zero Waste Festival 2026 is presented in partnership with Fed Square.
