Joan Cabarrus, an innovative designer based in Round Rock, is transforming discarded pickleballs into eye-catching wearable art for the upcoming Reuse on the Runway fashion show. In her apartment, she carefully cuts the plastic balls in half and uses a panini press to mold them into flower shapes, which will adorn a lampshade she is converting into a unique hat.
“I specifically use a panini press to melt plastic,” Cabarrus explains, donning a respirator and goggles for safety. “It’s just enough to flatten it.” She works quickly to shape each flower before the material cools, ensuring her creations are both sustainable and visually striking.
The Birth of a Sustainable Fashion Show
The concept for the Reuse on the Runway fashion show was initiated by Austin Creative Reuse, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting sustainable practices through artistic expression. Jillian Srygley, the artist program coordinator at ACR, highlights the importance of showcasing local talent while addressing the environmental impact of the fashion industry.
“This event is an opportunity to inspire audiences to rethink how fashion can be created with reused materials,” Srygley states, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to sustainability.
A Treasure Trove of Unconventional Materials
Located in the Windsor Park neighborhood, ACR operates a unique shop filled with an eclectic mix of donated items, from plastic containers to unused craft supplies. Designers participating in the fashion show are encouraged to incorporate these unconventional materials into their creations. While they are not required to use specific items, many are choosing to experiment with materials that are less popular in the store, including discarded lanyards and binders.
Seespriya Jakowlew-Dahlhaus, ACR’s communications coordinator, notes that past shows have featured a remarkable range of materials, such as a stunning dress made from lotería tickets. “That was pretty incredible,” she remarks.
Innovative Designs that Push Boundaries
Cabarrus’s commitment to sustainability took shape when she discovered that pickleballs are not recyclable. Motivated to make a difference, she reached out to local pickleball courts and collected numerous cracked balls. Other designers have also pushed the boundaries of creativity, using materials like vial tops from rattlesnake antivenom and magazine strips transformed into stylish beads.
While some pieces in the show are truly wearable, others lean towards artistic expression. Past designs have been featured in local venues, showcasing the imaginative potential of reused materials. “We love that our designers are inspired by the idea of a circular economy,” Srygley adds, highlighting the ongoing journey of these creations.
Cabarrus’s Creative Journey
This year, Cabarrus will showcase two outfits on the runway. One features cracked pickleballs in vibrant neon colors, paired with a purse made from two pickleball paddles. The second dress boasts a purple skirt crafted from Bubble Wrap, adorned with rhinestones and complemented by a hat made from vinyl records and a volleyball.
Despite the challenges of being a designer, Cabarrus embraces her passion wholeheartedly. “Everywhere I go, it’s automatic: Oh, what is that? Can I use that?” she laughs. Her creative process is spontaneous, driven by the materials she encounters during her visits to ACR.
Taking a break from her nursing career, Cabarrus is dedicated to sharing her artistic vision with the world. One of her climbing rope dresses is currently on display at the Mesa Rim climbing gym, while another pickleball creation is showcased at Picklr Austin West. Although she acknowledges the financial challenges of her craft, she remains hopeful that increased exposure will lead to future commissions.
“I want to build something else; my soul is calling me for a creative path,” she reflects. “It’s always been there, but now feels like the right time.”
