In February of 2025 I had the amazing opportunity to participate in the Next Up competition hosted by Philly Fashion Week. This competition was a student competition, surrounding using fashion waste. We were all given a large trash bag of garments from Good Will, not knowing what was in the bag, and some scraps from Designers that sold in Maison. After getting the bag we had a few weeks to make something entirely new, using only what was in the bag. We had to ask to use ANY other materials. I had the joy of working with model Nina Castellano, who was so amazing and really brought this entire look to life.

I did not win, but that didnt matter. I didn’t care about winning. I had an amazing time and I am so lucky I was able to participate.