Designer Competition
Are you ready to own the runway?
THRIFT THE RUNWAY is not just a fashion show—it’s a live design competition where creativity, innovation, and transformation take center stage.
Presented by WareToFind during the 2026 Lee Haney Games, this one-of-a-kind experience challenges young designers to think beyond traditional fashion and prove they have what it takes to create under pressure.
The Challenge
Teams of two will compete live in front of an audience, media, sponsors, and an accomplished panel of judges as they transform thrifted and pre-loved garments into runway-ready collections. Throughout the competition, teams will face design challenges, work against the clock, and incorporate a design twist revealed during the event.
This is your opportunity to showcase your talent, gain exposure, build confidence, and compete for over $1,000 in cash and prizes.
- Each team will create a cohesive 3-look collection inspired by the official competition theme.
- Designers must transform thrifted garments, rework and reconstruct pieces, incorporate the design twist, tell a story, and present their work during the live runway show.
- Collections are judged on creativity, storytelling, styling, transformation, use of design twist,and overall runway impact.
Learn From Industry Leaders
The panel of judges includes rework designers, artist, and industry leaders.
This is more than a competition—it’s a chance to have your work seen by people who understand the power of fashion and creative expression.
Who Should Compete?
Aspiring Fashion Designers
Sewing & Rework Creatives
Students
Stylists
Creative Thinkers & Innovators
Competition Details & Rules
Competition Details
- Date: July 18, 2026
- Location: Georgia International Convention Center
- Teams: 2 Designers (Ages 12–18)
- Prizes: Over $1,000 in Cash & Prizes
- No Sewing Skills Required: You are welcome to use tape, safety pins, etc- GET CREATIVE!
- Registration Fee: $50 Per Team
- Registration Closes: June 30, 2026
Eligibility
- Ages 12–18.
- Teams of two designers
- Parent/Guardian consent required.
- Fees are non-refundable.
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Materials Provided
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Official Competition Theme
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Signature Design Twist Challenge
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Access to Thrifted Fashion & Materials Racks
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Dedicated Designer Workspace
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Official Designer T-Shirt
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Designer Welcome Bag
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Live Runway Presentation
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Opportunity to Present Before Industry Judges
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Chance to Win $1,000 in Cash & Prizes
What Teams Must Bring
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At least one mannequin
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Models
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Sewing machine (optional)
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Extension cords/power strips (if using a sewing machine)
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Basic sewing supplies and tools
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Sketchbook
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Any specialty materials your team wishes to use
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Most importantly: Bring your creativity and imagination.
Design Twist
A surprise Design Twist will be revealed during the competition and must be incorporated into your collection. This challenge is designed to test creativity, innovation, and adaptability under pressure. The teams that embrace the twist and transform it into something extraordinary may find themselves one step closer to becoming the inaugural THRIFT THE RUNWAY Champion.
Are Sewing Machines Allowed?
Technique and creativity are at the heart of THRIFT THE RUNWAY. Teams may utilize hand-sewing, draping, pinning, cutting, fabric adhesives, painting, knotting, reconstruction techniques, and sewing machines. Teams choosing to use sewing machines are responsible for providing their own equipment and covering any venue electrical fees associated with machine use.
Judging Criteria
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Creativity
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Transformation
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Styling
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Storytelling
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Use of design twist
Will you rise to the challenge? Only a limited number of teams will compete. Gather your teammate, bring your creativity, and get ready to THRIFT IT. REWORK IT. OWN THE RUNWAY.