An Exhibition Coming October 2025

Clothing can be considered in many different ways. It can be fashion, style, protection, or a uniform. Some individuals put a great deal of thought into what to wear everyday, and for others,  it is not thought about much at all. The relationships we have with our clothing and the value of clothing has changed a great deal in the last two decades. Over the last 20 years, the production of clothing has doubled and the global consumption of fashion has increased by 400%. This increased production and consumption of clothing has created a global textile waste crisis. The crisis is multifaceted affecting land, water, climate and people and the challenges to deal with the crisis are increasing. How can these challenges be considered aside from seeing images of huge piles of clothing, known as textile mountains, growing across the globe? How can individuals engage and feel empowered to be part of positive change in addressing  the textile waste crisis? In what ways can art communicate the severity and importance of the issues around textile waste and inspire individual action?

UNCOVERING FASHION is a research project developed by Kimberly Guthrie, Associate Professor at VCU’s Department of Fashion Design and Merchandising. The project collaborates with local Richmond organizations and businesses to collect discarded garments. These garments will serve as materials for artwork created by VCUarts fashion design faculty for an exhibition at the Main Street Station Gallery in October 2025.

The UNCOVERING Fashion project is funded by a VCUarts Dean’s Research Grant.

Our boxes are placed throughout the Richmond community to accept clothing that can no longer be worn.

Every effort will be made to divert any clothing not used from landfill.

No clothes to donate?

No problem. Contribute to the project by telling us about your personal knowledge of the textile waste crisis.

Community Partners Accepting Discarded Clothes