From Waste to Wearable: High School Designers Take on Columbia’s Reinvention Fashion Challenge

Grand prize winner Patryk Skrzypek with his design “Marine Debris,” constructed from 15 recycled T-shirts and unused plastic wrap to translate ocean pollution into a wearable form.Grand prize winner Patryk Skrzypek with his design “Marine Debris,” constructed from 15 recycled T-shirts and unused plastic wrap to translate ocean pollution into a wearable form.
Greta Dannhausen-Brun with her design “From Waste, We Bloom,” using repurposed materials to contrast environmental damage with the possibility of renewal.Greta Dannhausen-Brun with her design “From Waste, We Bloom,” using repurposed materials to contrast environmental damage with the possibility of renewal.
Alessia Todaro with her design “All Fur the Earth,” transforming family garments into an heirloom piece rooted in memory and sustainability.Alessia Todaro with her design “All Fur the Earth,” transforming family garments into an heirloom piece rooted in memory and sustainability.
Leilani Navarro with her design “Vengeance By Moss,” imagining a future where nature reclaims dominance over human-made systems.Leilani Navarro with her design “Vengeance By Moss,” imagining a future where nature reclaims dominance over human-made systems.
Anayah Jones with her design “The Birth of a Venus Flytrap,” exploring rebirth and environmental healing through sculptural, nature-inspired forms.Anayah Jones with her design “The Birth of a Venus Flytrap,” exploring rebirth and environmental healing through sculptural, nature-inspired forms.
Donnovan Hernandez with his design “Fight for Fashion,” reworking cargo pants and a hoodie into a utilitarian, streetwear-inspired look.Donnovan Hernandez with his design “Fight for Fashion,” reworking cargo pants and a hoodie into a utilitarian, streetwear-inspired look.
School of Fashion Assistant Professor of Instruction Reyes Witt addresses a crowd of family, friends, and guests during the Columbia College Chicago Fashion Design Challenge, reflecting on the creative process behind the student designs.School of Fashion Assistant Professor of Instruction Reyes Witt addresses a crowd of family, friends, and guests during the Columbia College Chicago Fashion Design Challenge, reflecting on the creative process behind the student designs.
Six high school seniors transformed discarded materials into original garments at Columbia College Chicago’s Reinvention High School Design Challenge, earning scholarships and recognition for innovation, sustainability, and storytelling.

On March 13, 2026, six high school seniors stood beside their designs—garments made from plastic wrap, thrifted fabrics, cargo pants, and even dog food bags—in the lobby of Columbia College Chicago’s 618 S. Michigan Ave. building. What could have been waste became something else entirely: fully realized fashion concepts, each grounded in sustainability and personal vision. 

The Reinvention High School Fashion Challenge, organized by School of Fashion Assistant Professor of Instruction Reyes Witt, invited students to create original garments using only repurposed materials. Nothing new could be purchased. The result was a showcase of resourcefulness, technical skill, and storytelling that exceeded expectations. 

“We were totally blown away by the quality of the submissions,” said Colbey Reid PhD, director of the School of Fashion, during the awards presentation. “I really hope we get to work with as many of you as possible this fall.” 

The six finalists—Alessia Todaro, Greta Dannhausen-Brun, Donnovan Hernandez, Anayah Jones, Leilani Navarro, and Patryk Skrzypek—are all admitted to Columbia’s School of Fashion.  

Designing With What Already Exists 

The challenge pushed students to rethink materials and construction from the ground up. Instead of starting with fabric, they started with objects—old clothing, packaging, and found materials—and reimagined what those items could become. 

Across the board, the work demonstrated not only creativity, but a clear understanding of concept development, research, and execution. From environmental storytelling to personal narrative, each design reflected a distinct point of view shaped by both material constraints and creative ambition. 

Recognizing Creativity, Craft, and Concept 

Each finalist received a $1,000 scholarship to Columbia College Chicago and a $50 Fishman’s Fabrics gift card, recognizing both creative vision and technical execution. 

Awards highlighted distinct strengths across the six designs: 

  • Future Vision Award: Donnovan Hernandez’s “Fight for Fashion” reworked cargo pants and a hoodie into a utilitarian, streetwear-inspired design, while Anayah Jones’ “The Birth of a Venus Flytrap” explored rebirth and environmental healing through sculptural, nature-inspired forms.  
  • Excellence in Sustainability: Leilani Navarro’s “Vengeance By Moss” imagined a future where nature reclaims dominance over human-made systems.  
  • Best Concept and Storytelling: Alessia Todaro’s “All Fur the Earth” transformed family garments into an heirloom piece rooted in memory and sustainability.  
  • Most Innovative Use of Materials: Greta Dannhausen-Brun’s “From Waste, We Bloom” used repurposed materials to contrast environmental damage with the possibility of renewal.  
  • Grand Prize for Outstanding Construction and Craftsmanship: Patryk Skrzypek’s “Marine Debris.” Constructed from 15 recycled T-shirts and unused plastic wrap, the garment translated ocean pollution into a wearable form, demonstrating advanced technical skill and strong conceptual clarity. Skrzypek also received an additional $100 Fishman’s Fabrics gift card. 
Building a Pipeline for Emerging Talent 

The event was designed as more than a competition—it’s a recruitment and community-building tool for the School of Fashion. Students presented their work to faculty, families, and peers, answering questions and discussing their process during a public reception before the awards. 

“This is an opportunity for you to shine,” Witt says. “Not on a field or a court—but here, through your creativity.” 

That visibility will continue. The finalist garments will be displayed in Columbia’s Michigan Avenue windows during Lollapalooza weekend, placing student work in front of thousands of visitors in one of Chicago’s most prominent retail corridors. 

With several students awaiting final decisions on the Fashion Design BFA and more commitments expected by May 1, the Reinvention Challenge is already proving to be a meaningful entry point into Columbia’s creative community—and a glimpse of the next generation of designers shaping the future of fashion.

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