Woodland students to showcase upcycled style at Fash Bash

MARYSVILLE — Fashion, sustainability, and inclusion will take center stage at the Woodland Developmental Center later this month as 24 student models hit the runway for the school’s second annual Fash Bash.

Built around the theme “Recycled. Upcycled. Adaptive.” — the event highlights how fashion can be expressive and accessible for everyone.

Preparation for the runway has been a hands-on experience for participants. Students embarked on thrift store field trips to choose their own outfits, giving them direct agency over their personal style.For students with physical impairments or sensory needs, volunteers modified the selected garments for better fit and accessibility. Meanwhile, staff stocked “Narnia’s Closet” — a dedicated on-site pop-up shop — ensuring students with limited mobility could enjoy the same browsing experience without leaving campus.

“Reduce, Reuse, Runway” forms the core ethos of the show. Alongside thrifted and redesigned outfits, the event features interactive recycling activities between runway walk-throughs.

A coalition of local partners helped bring the event together:

Marysville Public Schools provided stage risers for the runway setup.
St. Clair County TEC Cosmetology students are volunteering hair, makeup, and nail services for the models.
Hungry Howie’s donated pizza to feed the student participants and staff between shows.

Woodland Developmental Center, operated by St. Clair County RESA, provides specialized instruction, therapy, and transition services for students with moderate to severe cognitive and physical disabilities.

If You Go

What: Second Annual Woodland Developmental Center Fash Bash
When: Thursday, Sept. 24
- 1 p.m.: Afternoon show (students, staff, and families)
- 6 p.m.: Evening show (open to the public, local agencies, and media)
Where: Woodland Developmental Center (St. Clair County RESA Campus), 499 Range Road, Marysville