Global Fashion students help others, environment

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- Capital Region BOCES Global Fashion students are hosting a Cinderella Prom Dress event to provide classmates with upcycled and affordable dresses for prom. This is the third year the event has been held and 130 dresses are up for grabs.

On Tuesday and Thursday at the Capital Region BOCES Albany campus, dozens of used gowns will be sold to students for $5. In each class, a golden ticket will be given anonymously to a student for a free dress.

Juniors and seniors in the program said it's a great feeling to help others who might not have access to a brand-new dress because of the price. The dresses being sold have not only been saved from area landfills but have been given a second chance to be worn. The event also helps combat pollution in the fashion industry.

Word spread among the community about the event and many have contributed to the cause. More than $8,000 worth of dresses have been donated, with 35 gowns coming from bridal boutique, Lily Saratoga. Beyond dresses, handmade bow ties donated by senior entrepreneur Dane Zenner, of Shenendehowa will be on sale for $5.

Classmate Hannah Ralston of Guilderland said there needs to be more thought about sustainability in the fashion industry. “The fashion industry is a huge polluter, and we have a whole unit on sustainability and how we and the fashion industry can make fashion more sustainable. This is one way of doing that," she said.