Fashion to the rescue

Presented by insurance company Protective Life and SVDP thrift stores, the event raised more than $310,000, exceeding its $275,000 goal, to provide food, clothing, beds, lifesaving medications and rent and utility assistance for families in need across Greater Cincinnati.

This year also marked the 20th anniversary of the collaboration between SVDP and the Myron E. Ullman Jr. School of Design, part of the University of Cincinnati’s College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP). Each fall, UC’s third-year fashion design majors are challenged to create runway-worthy garments made entirely from items sourced at SVDP thrift stores, using only a small stipend of $20 for 2025.

Baskets are woven into an ensemble designed by fashion student Meredith Gilbert. Photos by Maria Ortiz (left) and Shelby Schaffer(right).  

“The design prompt this year was for the students to go over and above when it came to creativity, use of color and texture and runway-worthiness,” said Laurie Wilson, DAAP faculty member and show director. “We are celebrating 20 years of this tremendous alliance, and we all wanted this year to be even more fabulous.”

In addition to creating the upcycled garments, more than 50 student designers incorporated unconventional materials such as lights, clocks, baskets, playing cards, zip ties, toys, draperies, bedding and fully hand-painted fabrics, fulfilling the over-the-top challenge.

Left to right: Fashion designs by Sydney Hirsch and Hannah Bridge. Photos by Maria Ortiz (left) and Shelby Schaffer (right). 

“RetroFittings is one of our favorite partnerships because it represents the best of what happens when creativity meets compassion,” said Kaytlynd Lainhart, vice president of external relations for St. Vincent de Paul — Cincinnati.

“The DAAP students bring incredible energy, talent and vision to this event, transforming thrifted materials into bold, inspiring designs that help transform lives across Cincinnati. We’re so proud of the collaboration and the lasting impact it has on both students and our community.”

Proceeds from the event support SVDP programs that assist individuals and families across Greater Cincinnati. The initiative also aligns with Fashion for Good, a global movement to inspire sustainable change in the fashion industry.

In its 20th year, RetroFittings continues to showcase how design can make a lasting difference in the community.

Featured image at top of second-year design student Sabrina Warren. Photo by Maria Ortiz.