RECYCLED RUNWAY 2024: HEROES & VILLAINS
Bib & Tucker Sew-Op's Recycled Runway is a celebration of fashion, innovation, and sustainability.
In 2024 we marked the seventh year of this program, with HEROES & VILLAINS, an upcycle fashion showcase that featured designs created by Birmingham middle-high school students. The showcase event took place at the Birmingham Museum of Art.
Recycled Runway students took part in a multi week program consisting of in-person sewing and design workshops. During the workshops students created their upcycled look, while learning from area designers, entrepreneurs, and influencers impacting the fashion industry. This program was led by Bib & Tucker sewing instructor, Sonya Muhammad in partnership with The Birmingham Museum of Art.
Myia Pressley, 12th Grade
"In this costume I have melded together the chaotic charm of the Mad Hatter, the roguish allure of Jack Sparrow, and the regal tyranny of the Queen of Hearts into a single creation.This outfit has many patterns and layers symbolizing the Hatter’s madness, the bloomers and the skirtsewn around it symbolizing Jack Sparrow’s adventurous spirit, and the corset with the sleeves and the bows symbolizing the Queen’s commanding presence.My goal was to make this costume playful and whimsical.Whenpeople look at this costume, I want them to see adventure." -Myia
Charlotte Wahl, 6th Grade
“The dress was inspired by Aurora with a focus on Spring in Alabama. I used a pretty pink silk as the base and then decided to overlay tulle to bring in the princess full skirt connection. I did not have the inspiration for the top until two weeks later and I love the way the neckline turned out, it feels regal and really elegant to me. I’ll consider this piece the first of many in the Charlotte Wahl Collection." -Charlotte
Naja Muhammad, 7th Grade
“My look was inspired by Hercules. Ever since I first saw it, when I was very young, I loved the movie and still do, I decided to use my favorite hero as inspiration for my costume.
I used many things for my outfit, including upcycled shirts and pants, and thrifted shoes and accessories. I decided to turn two pairs of pants, that were gold and Brown, into a skirt. I used scrap fabric for my cape, and leftover gold braided trim to decorate it. My shoes, belt, and sword were all thrifted and spray painted, to match the aesthetic of the outfit and look." -Naja
Erin Riley, 9th Grade
"I was inspired by Captain Jack Sparrow and the four armed Predator. Captain Jack Sparrow has a cobbled together look, it consists of a modified pirate outfit with jewelry. I patched some jeans and embroidered them and a jacket to reference Captain Jack Sparrow’s look, I also added a lot of shiny things to reference him being a pirate. I added an extra set of arms as a reference to the four armed Predator. I was inspired by the four armed Predator because of his skill and search for a true rival, he is strong and not afraid to show it. Captain Jack Sparrow is an anti-hero pirate who at times doesn't seem to know what is going on around him, I found that quite funny and tried to incorporate that into my look." -Erin
Nathan Coleman, 8th Grade
"My name is Nathan Abner Coleman. I am an independent, strong, black activist and amazing designer. I take the talent God has given me, in order to create pieces that inspire and bring joy, motivation, and self confidence to the people that wear them. I started my own fashion brand at the age of 10, even now working on my 2024 summer collection and since then I’ve only grown to perfect and fully understand my crafts. I understand what God put me on earth for, and that’s something I want to share with everyone else.
When Bib and Tuckers gave us the theme of Superheroes and Villains, I chose 2 strong black women as my inspiration for me and my model Olivia, outfits. Their names are Storm Monroe and Vixen McCabe, from the team of Justice League, symbolic to me because they represent themselves as the earth's first line of defense against threats too large for humanity to face alone. Due to the 90s’ theme, I scavenged for any denim or t-shirt material I could and brought myself to 2 wonderful outfits. through fashion I think I can bring awareness to such things as well. The Justice League has saved humanity from the worst threats it has ever faced. And in real life, things like racism, climate change, and hate…. And through the intricate meanings garnets can hold I feel that I could help do that as well." -Nathan
Addison Elliott, 12th Grade
"My outfit takes inspiration from Disney's pirates.
The look details layering loose fit clothes, and accessories in a neutral palette. I created the long-sleeve knit shirt from scratch, and designed the remainder of the look by upcycling thrift finds — morphing two items into one — like the pants that originated from khakis and cargos, and the hooded vest, which comes from a hoodie and fur coat." -Addison
Kelsei Manley, 8th Grade
Annie Carroll, 6th Grade
"Before taking this class, I had never envisioned myself as a fashion designer. I drew inspiration for my look from a character who is a fashion designer, Cruella Deville. In the movies, she is portrayed as a twisted villain. However, her impeccable sense of style makes doing bad look undeniably good. I was inspired to incorporate the same boldness and creativity into my costume using thrifted clothing and jewelry pieces in her signature colors of black and red. For the top, I reworked a sweater and added jewelry embellishments. The skirt is crafted from an embroidered scarf and the hat’s material was once a velour housecoat." -Annie
Keira Coker, 10th Grade
"This outfit was inspired by the Shadow Man from The Princess and the Frog. What once was a simple black prom dress was turned into a beautiful pair of dramatic bell-bottom pants. As you see the jacket is a men’s suit jacket add with a hint of Mardi Gras patterns to represent the beauty of what the Shadow Man held. He may have been a villain but a very fabulous villain if you ask me.
Lastly, the icing on the voodoo cake, the top hat. This top hat adds the dramatics for me and for all of us. This hat really stands out on this costume because it makes you feel as though you are the Shadow Man. In my opinion, the Shadow Man shows a powerful representation of black culture. Not only was he an independent and intelligent man, but he also held this sort of power (excluding all the magic) and grace in his doings." -Keira.
Vivian Wright, 6th Grade
"My look was inspired by Maleficent but constructed as a modern look for a 3rd grade girl. The shirt is made from an old dress and is accented with a design made from a scarf that reminded me of classic Maleficent colors. The denim skirt was ripped apart and sewn back together in a new size. The headpiece is made of beads I found from an old collection.” -Vivian
Sofia Nunez, 9th Grade
Trinity Nicholson, 12th Grade
"I would describe my garment as a whimsical take on a simple silk dress. By adding multiple tulle and chiffon layers with an inverted V waistline, ruched chiffon sleeves, and pearls through out the dress I was able to create this look. I have taken inspiration for my dress from Cinderella’s blue ball gown, and the White Queen’s dress from the movie Alice through the looking glass. I hope you all enjoy this piece as much as I have enjoyed creating it!"- Trinity
Liam Duncan, 6th Grade
"This garment was inspired by the beautiful Disney princess, Moana. From the bottom to the top, each stitch was thought hard on and worked hard on. The outfit had a mixture between royal, and courageous. As I worked on this project the outfit has changed A LOT! In fact, Moana was not my first plan. My garment was originally supposed to be inspired by Mulan, but the dress just looked nothing like Mulan. So then I thought, “Who does this look like?” Then a thought appeared:"MOANA"! And that's how the dress was inspired to be Moana." -Liam
