Modify Style - Formally Modified Style Portland

Modify Style is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, community enhancement organization that supports and encourages the growth of Portland’s creative, eco-conscious identity in the form of fun, accessible, sustainable fashion. Established in 2007, our goal is to help minimize the massive carbon footprint of the fashion industry by fostering creativity, confidence and self-expression. -- How We Do It -- Modified Style promotes sustainable fashion awareness in a variety of ways. We change the way people think about secondhand clothing by creating imagery that elevates thrifted clothes to an artform. We host two clothing swaps per year, reducing the need for people to buy new items. We participate in various events as guest speakers, organize meetups and classes, and offer education and sustainable fashion advice on our social media platforms. We organize an annual fundraising fashion show. At this show, donated fabric is diverted from the waste stream and used by designers of all skill levels and ages to create innovative fashions, which are then auctioned off to support our programs and benefit local charities. We are the only fashion show in Portland with a youth category, and we love to help cultivate the next generation of designers! For our adult participants we provide an avenue for self-expression, creativity, and professional development. We keep our costs low and provide scholarships to those who can't afford the fees. Other fashion shows cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars to participate in. We think everyone should be able to become a successful designer as long as they have the talent and ambition! Winning our show opens doors for many designers, as our prize package includes a free audition to FashioNxt, Portland's largest fashion event. There they get training and exposure to jump-start their career! This event sparks innovation, originality, resourcefulness, and confidence – the essence of Portland culture!