Trash Makeover Challenge 2025 Showcases Quinceañera-Inspired Fashions

(cover photo courtesy Nine François Photography)

As you’re taking out the trash to the curb this week, it might be a good idea to possibly consider that your latest refuse could be part of the next winning design for the Trash Makeover Challenge. The competition celebrated it’s 15th year and was fitting to have the theme be Quinceañera.

This one-of-a-kind fashion show spotlights amateur and professional designers who create spectacular garments from at least 90% recycled materials, showcasing them at a star-studded evening event.

Over the years, designers have wowed audiences with their imagination, turning 900 Coca-Cola bottle caps into a coat, 600 fish scales into a shimmering skirt, and even releasing live ladybugs onto their creations — not to mention the inventive use of plastic bags, dryer sheets, and bubble wrap.

For the quinceañera theme, designers created culturally inspired pieces influenced by quinceañera traditions—from formal gowns and pastel palettes to folklórico flair and modern elegance. 

The event took place at the Texas Disposal Systems Wildlife Ranch & Pavilion in South Austin. The event benefitted the Texas Campaign for the Environment which is a grassroots advocacy Non-profit organization that works on health and environmental issues in the state of Texas. 

Proceeds from the event will help raise funds for TCE’s grassroots organizing for cleaner, healthier and just solutions for Texans. The event did surpass the goal of raising more than $125,000.

The emcee for the event was KXAN’s Meteorologist, Nick Bannin. Judges were CBS Austin’s Emmy-award winning anchor, Allison Miller, Amanda Garcia Davenport of the Recording Academy, Mela Sarajane Dailey, Grammy Award-winning soprano and Denise Hernández, Judge of County Court at Law #6.

Twenty one design teams competed for cash prizes with First prize receiving $3,000.00.

• First Place – Verónica Vivanco
• Second Place – One 5ive
• Third Place – Once Upon a Dine
• People’s Choice – Simply Dvyne
• Seedling Award – Cantu Fashion