Montreal student turned a thrift fashion show into an annual college tradition

Jun 16

In a movement against the fast fashion industry, 30 students modelled favourite high-fashion, thrifted looks and wearable art in the Thrifted Runway show at Montreal's Dawson College. Photo courtesy: Anne Liang

By Patricia Lane & Anne Liang

Anne Liang strengthens climate action at her college. This 19-year-old Dawson College student in Montreal organized and ran such a successful thrift fashion show that the college now plans to make it an annual tradition.

(Anne is also a National Youth Climate Activism Award winner 2026).

Tell us about your project.

In a movement against the fast fashion industry, 30 students modelled favourite high-fashion, thrifted looks and wearable art in the Thrifted Runway show that I conceived and organized. More than 100 students and faculty attended or helped as models, moderators and volunteers. The event reached 48,000 people through our Instagram feed and another 20,000 through my personal account.

Some students wore pieces they had already thrifted. Others worked with a local thrift store, Spice Daddy, to create outfits they loved. We also organized a student marketplace where people sold lightly worn clothing and kept 100 per cent of the proceeds.

It was such a success that I now hope to curate a thrift fashion show for all Montrealers. Montreal sees itself as Canada’s fashion capital. I want to help people who love fashion see they can enjoy style without spending a fortune or harming people and the planet. Our runway project coordinator, Myrica-Gale Monateri-Kubeck, shares this vision. We will build it together.

I also helped sustain a book exchange service so students can buy textbooks more cheaply and keep usable materials out of landfill. We expanded into supplies, and science students can now borrow lab coats left behind by graduates instead of buying a new $40 coat if they forget theirs. We also give away notebooks and pencil cases left in lockers at term’s end. Many students struggle financially. These practical supports matter.

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Montreal student turned a thrift fashion show into an annual college tradition

Tell us about your project.

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