Building on the success of their inaugural partnership, Lewis-Manning Hospice Care and Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) are proud to announce the return of their landmark sustainable fashion project, Trash to Treasure II.
The second iteration of this creative collaboration will culminate in a vibrant fashion show on Thursday 28 May at Mimosa Bar in Bournemouth.
Trash to Treasure II has challenged students from AUB’s BA (Hons) Fashion and BA (Hons) Textiles Design courses to breathe new life into unsellable or damaged items sourced from Lewis-Manning’s charity shops across BCP including Ashley Cross, Boscombe East, Christchurch, Ferndown, Highcliffe, Poole, Ringwood, Swanage, Westbourne, Wimborne, and Winton.
This year, the project takes an even bolder creative direction, with students designing around a proud LGBTQ+ theme, celebrating diversity, self-expression, and the power of ethical craftsmanship.
“The first Trash to Treasure proved that fashion can be a vehicle for both material innovation and social compassion,” says Glenn Sutton from Retail and Community Engagement at Lewis-Manning Hospice Care.
“This year, we are taking that message further. By working with the incredible talent at AUB, we are not only diverting waste from landfill but also raising vital funds to support local people living with life-limiting illnesses.
“Funds raised from the event will go directly towards Lewis-Manning’s services across East Dorset and Purbeck, which include its 12-week hospice programme, hospice at home, lymphoedema and breathlessness clinics, bereavement counselling and complementary therapy, and are designed to empower patients to live well through their illnesses.”
Highlights of the event will include a runway show, exhibiting the innovative Spring/Summer collections of AUB students, alongside curated sustainable looks from Lewis-Manning's boutiques.
A retail pop-up shop will be available on the night, offering guests the chance to purchase outfits straight from the catwalk and browse premium pre-loved items.
The journey of these garments have been captured by our BA (Hons) Commercial Photography students, documenting their transformation from "trash" to high-fashion art.
The project follows the successful exhibition at the AUB Library earlier this month, which explored the themes of reuse, repair, recycle, and reform. This live brief provides students with essential industry experience while highlighting the University’s commitment to ‘creativity for good’.
All proceeds from the event will directly fund Lewis-Manning’s free hospice care services across East Dorset and the Purbecks.
