Attendees of the City Market Downtown and other passersby were treated to a unique sight for Edmonton this past Saturday. A Project Runway-style fashion competition took place in conjunction with the Downtown Edmonton Community League’s CornFest, held in Beaver Hills House Park. 

Four teams were challenged to create unique garments out of leftover corn husks, a sustainable and often overlooked material, which was a natural byproduct of the event’s resoundingly popular corn on the cob.

Karen Lee, founder of Green Spectacle Creations and the creator of the CornFest Fashion show, wanted to bring attention to sustainability in creative endeavors and to showcase the artistic talent that is present in Edmonton’s community. Remarking on the  project she states, ”I am not a fashion designer, by any means, but I live to create moments of happiness and beauty in the community through my works of art. The CornFest Fashion Competition was a fun and unique way to engage with the community. As corny as it sounds, I hope to inspire others to see beauty and potential in things that are often overlooked.”

CornFest is an annual event hosted by DECL to engage the Downtown community and it also marks the start of their yearly membership drive. To learn more about Edmonton’s Community Leagues and unique events going on in your neighborhood, you can visit www.efcl.org 

Team HUSKer Du’s advice to the aspiring sustainable fashion designer, “Listen to the material.”

The Cornish Pixies expressed that the event was a good outlet for creativity and whimsy.

Team Mellow Yellow describes their superhero-themed apparel as “purposefully corny”

The winning look, The Corn Star’s “husk couture” was a crowd favorite.

Photo Credit: Karen Lee, Sandra Der