On December 11, Columbia College Chicago’s School of Fashion and Patagonia came together to announce the winners of the Worn Wear competition at Patagonia’s Fulton Market store.

In a celebration of creativity and sustainability, Columbia College Chicago’s School of Fashion and Patagonia came together to announce the winners of the Worn Wear competition. The December 11 event at Patagonia’s Fulton Market store in Chicago showcased innovative designs by students, all crafted from recycled Patagonia materials, and highlighted the intersection of fashion and environmental responsibility.

Three student winners were chosen via Instagram voting, each blending their design aesthetic with Patagonia’s mission to reduce waste through upcycling.

Student Winners Lead the Way in Sustainable Fashion
Lorena Castro, a senior Fashion Design major with a minor in dance, took home first place for her size-inclusive, upcycled creations. “As a Latina, growing up in a suburb outside of Chicago, life often felt small,” Castro shared. “But my parents’ sacrifice has been my motivation. Their love for the environment inspired me to embrace sustainability.” Castro’s designs, made from reworked Patagonia garments, included a sweatshirt, a skirt, and pants. “Fashion can be a force for good,” she said. “The ability to take something that would have been discarded and give it a second life is empowering.”

Second place winner Ciara Brophy, a junior Fashion Design student, was equally inspired by Patagonia’s sustainability mission. “I’ve always loved reworking and upcycling, and Patagonia’s dedication to the environment made this competition irresistible,” Brophy explained. Her design—a dramatic full-length gown made from repurposed Patagonia coats—demonstrated her ability to merge outdoor aesthetics with runway fashion. “It was a unique challenge to make coats into something elegant, but I think it came together,” she said.

Eileen Vivoda, a junior studying fashion product development, couldn’t attend in person but sent a heartfelt message about her third place winning design, a reversible hat made from repurposed Patagonia materials. “Fashion’s fluidity is exciting, and I love that garments can always be remade into something new,” Vito said. “This hat is special to me—it combines fashion with function, and I’m proud to have created something so sustainable.”

A Supportive Community
In addition to showcasing student talent, the competition reflected Columbia’s strong support system. Interim President Jerry Tarrer praised the students for their innovation with a phrase that was used many times during the evening. “You all killed it,” he said. “This partnership is about preparing creatives to change the world, and you’ve certainly done that tonight.”

School of Fashion Director Colby Reid, PhD, celebrated the students' hard work, acknowledging the challenges they faced while balancing finals, jobs, and deadlines. “You showed up with so much heart, professionalism, and passion,” Reid said. “This partnership gives students real-world experience and helps them see the possibilities within sustainable fashion,” Reid added. She also praised Columbia staff, including School of Fashion administrative assistant Noelle Bushman, who devised the idea for the competition and organized it from start to finish.

Patagonia’s involvement went beyond simply providing materials. The brand’s commitment to mentoring students was evident throughout the competition. Regional visual merchandiser Kym Midanek worked closely with Columbia’s visual merchandising students, offering invaluable guidance.

The success of the Patagonia Worn Wear competition not only celebrated the creativity of Columbia College’s fashion students but also highlighted the college’s commitment to providing real-world experiences that shape students’ future careers. The event marked the beginning of a lasting partnership between Columbia and Patagonia, both united in their mission to promote sustainability within the fashion industry.

First place winner Lorena Castro summed it up perfectly: “This experience has opened so many doors for me. I hope to keep creating for the planet, not just the runway.”

Learn more about our industry partnerships here.

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