Discarded to Divine
Discarded to Divine

DALLAS, Mar 27, 2008 / FW/ — ‘One man’s trash is another man’s treasure’ is an adage popularized by shows like ‘Antiques Road Show’ and by garage sales aficionados. In San Francisco, the concept takes a new meaning as Bay Area fashion designers and design students create one-of-a-kind couture apparel from casts off, the resulting high fashion items are then auctioned off to benefit the St. Vincent de Paul Society’s programs for the poor and homeless.

The gala night for the third annual ‘Discarded to Divine’ charity event slated on April 26th with a preview of the items scheduled on April 4th will feature designs by Jessica McClintock, Colleen Quen, Nice Collective, Cari Borja, Verrieres & Sako, Michael Boris and Sara Shepherd.

Together with students from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM), City College of San Francisco and Academy of Art University, who will also be presenting their creations alongside industry veterans, the group collection that will be presented are made from ‘charitably donated’ materials made from high-quality fabrics that could range from old tuxedos suits, upholstery textiles, old curtains, tablecloths and linens; even old gowns, bridesmaid dresses, and vintage fabrics.

These clothes and materials, donated ‘as is’ are of no use to the poor and homeless. But ‘recycled’ through the eyes of a fashion designer, a new life is breathed on them. Once again, they become highly covetable.

The brainchild of St. Vincent de Paul Society Help Desk director Sally Rosen, the idea for ‘Discarded to Divine’ was conceived in 2005 when Ms. Rosen was going through the pile of ‘discarded’ materials 1into something renewed and useful.

Rallying help from the Bay Area community, the first ‘Discarded to Divine’ was held in 2006; it became a yearly event in 2007 and this year, the magic has taken more than just a foothold as corporate sponsors like Macy’s West step up to the plate.

Event Details

Discarded to Divine Preview
Friday, April 4, 2008 – 5:00 PM to 8:45 PM
de Young Museum
50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive
Golden Gate Park, San Francisco
(this preview is free of charge)

Discarded to Divine
Recycled Couture Fashion Show, Auction and Cocktail Party
Saturday, April 26, 2008
7:00 PM to 9:30 PM
Hosted by Academy of Art University,
601 Brannan Street, San Francisco

General Tickets: $45 advance/$55 door;?
VIP Tickets (limited): $75 advance/$90 door
Space is limited. RSVP to (415) 977-1270 or
Online at www.discardedtodivine.org