GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Chilly evening air swept through a large crowd huddled on a footbridge stretching across the Grand River.
The elements would’ve spelled trouble for most runways featuring scantily clad models in sleek styles, but the frigid temperature was welcomed and appreciated.
The outdoor Winter Fashion Reworks Fashion Show showcased 10 reimagined one-of-a-kind designs by the team at Second Vibess on Friday, Jan. 17, on the downtown Gillett Bridge.
The two 20-minute shows, which featured layers of denim, tapestry, vintage blankets and other repurposed materials, provided fresh twists on classic winter wearables.
From buttons and buckles to jean waist bands, the 10 designs required pieces more than 100 reused clothing items.
Second Vibess, located at 13 Division Ave., is a vintage clothing store with a mission of curating and up-cycling sustainable materials.
Co-founders and designers Kait Fitzpatrick and Camille Steverson, who specialize in streetwear, began thrifting together about three years ago. They started their business with a shared goal of designing practical wear inspired by items banished from the bedroom closet to a clothes rack.
As “proud outfit repeaters,” Fitzpatrick said the duo wanted Friday’s fashion show to bring awareness to sustainable practices that counter fast fashion — low-quality apparel manufactured rapidly to follow current trends and cut costs.
“Its a little bit of a glimpse of what we want to create in the future. We really want to focus on our up-cycled pieces and create more of those for everyone,” Fitzpatrick said. “We also want to keep expanding on our education about sustainable slow fashion.”
Grand Rapids resident Isabella Madden strutted the runway in a black fur coat over a sanguine striped, button-up shirt. She felt the show was more than creative designs. It was a collective statement.
“(Second Vibess) stands out above a lot of small businesses in West Michigan just because of what they stand for,” Madden said. “And I think everybody that’s a part of this show really has the same goals in mind when it comes to slower fashion and just being sustainable.”
Kylee McReynolds models a winter look designed by Second Vibess during the outdoor Winter Fashion Reworks Fashion Show on Friday, January 17, 2025.Isaac Ritchey | iritchey@mlive.com
The Gillett Bridge crosses the Grand River at the approximate location of Devos Place and the Gerald R. Ford Museum.
It provided an iconic backdrop to the show. The twinkling Grand Rapids skyline blended with a lighted display as models walked the runway.
Alarum by local artist Two Eagles Marcus is an interactive installation that undulates with calm cycles of color and sound. Touch sensors trigger bursts of color and sound as guests explore.
Every 15 minutes, Alarum shifts into “performance Mode,” offering a three-minute audio-visual journey of dynamic light and sound animation.
RELATED: Your guide to the 2025 World of Winter Festival in downtown Grand Rapids
The event was one of several on the calendar for World of Winter 2025, hosted by Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. It kicked off Saturday and runs through Jan. 25.
The festival features over 100 art installations, live performances and activities — all designed to bring people outside for fun and community during the cold-weather months.
Find this year’s top World of Winter attractions here.
MLive / Grand Rapids Press photojournalist Isaac Ritchey was there to photograph the 10 layered designs. See the full gallery above, or click here for a direct link to the gallery.
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