Transforming Trash into Fashion
There’s a saying that one person’s trash is another’s treasure—and for Evan Hirsch, it’s more about turning that trash into high fashion.
The 28-year-old designer from Midtown gained attention online in March after he bought a $6 scabbard, which he creatively reimagined as a glamorous cocktail dress.
Now, as NY Fashion Week approaches, he’s inviting others to bring old clothes to him for transformation.
This Saturday, Hirsch will showcase his latest collection named “Found Opulence,” a collaboration with The Thrift Nonprofit, featuring 30 different looks. Shoppers can find outfits at local Goodwill stores or online.
During a recent preview at his production studio, Hirsch recounted how he was directed to visit Wild, an influential store in the industry.
His designs often blend unexpected materials; for example, one dress is created from bed sheets, constructed into a strapless silhouette adorned with floral details and accompanied by a matching overskirt. Another piece—a vintage red satin prom dress—pays homage to the 1950s and features a cocktail frock embellished with a jeweled brooch.
Then there’s a striking orange gown merged with traditional Indian embroidery, completed by a sequined cape that has its own enticing surprise—the entire creation is crafted from vintage brooches.
“I think it’s going to be a blast,” Hirsch said, expressing his excitement.
His fascination with fashion started young. Growing up in Dicks Hills, Long Island, Hirsch initially aimed for a Broadway career until it became apparent that acting wasn’t his strong suit.
“In every school play, I’d see my name listed as ‘Evan: Tree’ or ‘Villager Number 4,’” he joked, illustrating his shift to the costume department instead. He loved transforming classmates into characters from various eras.
He studied fashion design at Drexel University, where one of his first creations—a cotton tube—was not exactly a hit. In college, he experimented with garments that could be worn in various ways, such as a mini dress that expands into a ball gown or a versatile poncho.
“It feels like we’re returning to a theatrical aesthetic that truly captures an audience,” he reflected.
Inspired by shows like “Rupaul’s Drag Race” and designers like Hussein Chalayan, whose work often blurs the lines between fashion and art, Hirsch expresses curiosity about innovative transformations. The first time he saw one of Chalayan’s designs, he felt it was something magical.
Since graduating in 2019, Hirsch worked in children’s fashion before launching his label in 2022, amassing over 558,000 followers eager to see his unique creations showcased on talk shows.
Last March, for example, he purchased a red cocktail dress and spent hours embellishing it with gold beads, later hanging it back in Goodwill, complete with a tag displaying his name. That video has gathered around 7 million views online.
Following this success, Goodwill reached out for collaboration, and Hirsch eagerly accepted, creating an entire line from thrifted finds. Most of the materials came either from his local Goodwill or in mystery boxes sent to him.
“I thought it could be more of a challenge if I didn’t know in advance what I would get,” he explained.
After the runway show, 15 designs will be auctioned off, with proceeds benefiting Goodwill’s workforce development programs.
Looking ahead, Hirsch aims to continue as Goodwill’s “resident fashion expert,” hoping to extend this partnership while making sustainable fashion more accessible.
“Initially, I thought sustainability was a hassle,” he admitted. “But I’ve come to realize it’s not as difficult as it seems.”
Ultimately, Hirsch wants people to understand the potential for creativity in thrifted pieces and how simple it can be to join this movement.
