Wastebusters plans to celebrate sustainable style, local talent and self-expression at the upcoming Refashion Show.

Refashion will return for 2025 on Thursday March 20 at the Lake Wānaka Centre.

“We are beyond excited to bring Wānaka’s creative community together to celebrate slow fashion,” Wastebusters event coordinator Abigail (Abi) Hurford-Abel said.

“This show is all about showing how loved clothes last, and that our individual style is something to be celebrated.

“We’re not just a catwalk show – we’re challenging how people think about fashion and their wardrobes.”

The event will feature collections from local sustainable designers who have transformed sustainably sourced materials and repurposed clothing into fresh garments.

Designers will demonstrate how repair, reimagining, and creativity can turn existing garments into expressions of individuality, Abi said.

One of the designers joining the line-up is Precious Collaborative, debuting their everyday collection and introducing their innovative ‘one-to-many’ approach.

By selling a high-end bespoke coat, they aim to help subsidise the costs of their everyday wear collection, taking a stand against fast fashion.

A highlight of the evening will be the Styled by Wasties category – a collaborative project where community members submit style inspirations, and the Wastebusters team curates outfits from second-hand treasures.

“Our shop is a goldmine for pre-loved fashion,” Abi said. “This moodboard project is a perfect example of how donated clothes can be reimagined into something fresh and exciting.”

Attendees will get a behind-the-scenes look at the design process via designer interviews and they can also enjoy great music, delicious food and drinks, and shop the popular Wasties pop-up featuring an incredible selection of pre-loved clothing, Abi said.

With every previous event selling out, tickets ($15 each) are expected to sell quickly.

“This is a movement about reconnecting with our clothes, celebrating local talent, and having fun with slow fashion,” Abi said.

Buy Refashion Show tickets here.

PHOTO: Wastebusters