Meet the women turning rags into $250 dresses at New York Fashion Week

Getting trashed at Fashion Week is high on the list for these celebrities — this season it’s all about donning designs made entirely from “garbage.”

The frocks — part of a “zero-waste” capsule collection — are created by stylist Claudine DeSola and fashion designer Tabitha St. Bernard and will be made in front of customers’ eyes during New York Fashion Week. The brand already includes actresses like Emma Kenney of “Shameless” and “Orange is the New Black” star Danielle Brooks as fans.
           

She isn’t the first designer to turn waste into a fashion statement. For instance, Viktor & Rolf used leftovers from past collections for their recent spring couture collection.

But St. Bernard may be the first to make eco-friendly clothing on the spot. Inspired by designers like Tom Ford and Burberry BRBY, -1.58% who let customers purchase clothes immediately after a fashion show, she decided to make her zero-waste clothes while consumers watched. And for two days only — on Feb. 10 and Feb. 11 — shoppers can head over to St. Bernard’s dimly-lit pop-up atelier tucked away in the Gregory Hotel bar in New York where seamstresses will craft the garment on-the-spot, in about 90 minutes. Consumers can opt for a long, flirty number; an origami-inspired dress with a shorter hemline; and a vest that St. Bernard recommends pairing with a mini-skirt. Each costs $250 and comes in a variety of recycled fabrics. (St. Bernard’s already-made clothes retail online under her Tabii Just label.)

“Fast fashion is so prevalent nowadays, but behind the scenes there may be a child working in a sweatshop,” says St. Bernard. “This won’t happen if you shop local.”