2026 Project Upcycle Runway Event

October 24, 2026

Buy Tickets

On sale Thursday, August 27 at 10am / Member Presale is happening now!

Project Upcycle Runway Event: Transformation
Presented by 3S Artspace in partnership w/ Recovergirl
Saturday, October 24
7:15pm - 10pm
$60 General Admission Standing / $120 Premium Reserved Seat*

----

Member presale is happening now through August 26. Members at the Supporter level and above, use your Member code during checkout for early access to purchase tickets! Sign up or renew: 3sarts.org/membership

----

*Premium Reserved Seats: This year, you can pick your seats at the Project Upcycle Runway Event! Premium ticket holders are also invited to an exclusive cocktail hour from 6:30 - 7:15pm.
----

Join 3S Artspace and Recovergirl on October 24 as we celebrate the 8th annual Project Upcycle sustainable fashion design competition!

This year’s fast-paced, high-energy sustainable design challenge showcases what can emerge when creative process meets constraint. Eight designers will create red carpet–ready looks from head-to-toe for our inspiring Community Role Models using upcycled garments and surplus materials. The approach to the theme of "Transformation" is theirs to define: from structure to softness, utility to glamour, translucent to opaque, or a transformation of their own invention.

Arrive at 7:15pm for cocktail hour, featuring tasty bites and beverages, be there for all the dazzling runway moments at 8pm, and keep the party going at our after party celebration where you can serve your look and walk the runway. You always dress to impress us each year!

This is more than a fashion show—it’s 3S Artspace's biggest fundraiser of the year, so we thank you for your support.

----

The design challenge takes place October 22 - 24 and culminates in the Project Upcycle Runway Event on October 24.

With the support of community role models, designs will be modeled on the catwalk during Saturday night's Runway Event! Designers compete for cash prizes and will be judged on execution, creative reuse of materials, and styling by our elite panel of judges. As an attendee, you'll also have the chance to cast your vote for the "Audience Choice" prize!

----

PRIZING:

First Prize: $2,500

NEW THIS YEAR: The First Place winner will be invited to have a solo runway event and share a collection at 3S Artspace in the Spring of 2027.
Second Prize: $1,500
Third Prize: $1,000
Recovergirl Audience Choice Prize: $500

----

MORE ABOUT PROJECT UPCYCLE:

Project Upcycle brings emerging designers together to foster connections, encourage creativity, and inspire growth. We are planting the seeds for sustainable fashion in New England (and beyond), and cultivating a community of informed consumers looking for ways to make better choices with their wardrobes.

Project Upcycle continues to be the biggest fundraiser for 3S Artspace year after year. Community support through sponsorship, donations, and ticket purchases help 3S provide space to share in transformative experiences, engage in meaningful discussions, and serve artists and audiences in impactful ways.

The 2026 Project Upcycle artwork was created by artist Cindy Mauchi.

----

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DESIGNERS: CLICK HERE

COMMUNITY ROLE MODELS, JUDGES, AND EMCEE ANNOUNCEMENT COMING SOON!

----

PROJECT UPCYCLE IS GENEROUSLY SUPPORTED BY

Lead Sponsor: Apparel Impact.

Project Upcycle Partners: Sheraton Portsmouth Harborside Hotel, Springer's Jewelers

Community Role Model Champion: Mezzanine

Sustainable Style Support: Alyssa Duncan Photography, Green Wave Electric Vehicles, My Friend Dan, ReVision Energy, Service Credit Union

Additional Support from: Cornerstone Financial Planning, Harding Metals, Nancy + Kristian Jensen, Kirsten Mahoney, Kennebunk Savings, Tulley Automotive, We Fill Good