REVIVE! Trash to Fashion 2026 is officially returning to the islands, merging high fashion with high-impact conservation. Organized by the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society‑Friends of the Refuge (DDWS), this celebrated event builds on the massive success of previous “Project Refuge” programs. The goal is simple yet revolutionary: transform recycled and reused materials into runway-ready couture to support habitat restoration and conservation education at the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge.
The main event will take place on November 4, 2026, at the Sundial Beach Resort & Spa on Sanibel. By turning waste into art, the refuge aims to inspire the community to rethink the plastic crisis and champion the long-term health of our Gulf coast ecosystems.
Call to Creators: $10,000 in Prizes
Whether you are a professional designer, an art student, or a creative innovator, REVIVE! Trash to Fashion 2026 is looking for your vision. The competition is open to all skill levels, and the stakes are high—more than $10,000 in cash prizes will be awarded to the winning designs.
“This groundbreaking fashion competition takes a chic, bold, revolutionary approach to conservation and the plastic crisis,” says Angeli Chin, DDWS project leader. “It encourages the transformation of recycled materials into couture while inspiring us to rethink waste.”
Important Deadlines:
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Application Deadline: May 15, 2026
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Runway Event: November 4, 2026
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Where to Apply: dingdarlingsociety.org/revive
Event Logistics: Beyond the Runway
The impact of REVIVE! Trash to Fashion 2026 extends far beyond a single night at Sundial. Following the runway show, the couture collection will be featured in curated exhibitions at two prominent locations:
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The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge: Providing visitors an up-close look at the intersection of art and nature.
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Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point: Bringing the message of sustainability to the wider Fort Myers community.
At-A-Glance Schedule
| Feature | Details |
| Main Event Date | November 4, 2026 |
| Primary Location | Sundial Beach Resort & Spa, Sanibel |
| Total Prize Pool | Over $10,000 |
| Beneficiary | “Ding” Darling Conservation Education |
| Project Leader | Angeli Chin (239-286-5500) |
The Role of Community Sponsorship
For local businesses and organizations, REVIVE! Trash to Fashion 2026 offers high-visibility opportunities to align your brand with environmental stewardship. Sponsorships are currently available and directly support youth education programs and regional habitat health.
At the LeAneSUAREZGroup, we know that the beauty of Sanibel is our greatest asset. Supporting events like REVIVE! ensures that the “Sanctuary Island” lifestyle we cherish continues to thrive.
