EUGENE, OREGON – Downtown Eugene recently hosted the fifth annual Founded Fest, an event celebrating vintage and upcycled fashion alongside a crucial community repair initiative. Held on June 8th at the Farmers Market Pavilion, the festival drew participants keen on exploring sustainable style choices and reducing textile waste through repair and reuse.
The Founded Fest portion of the event served as a vibrant marketplace, showcasing an extensive array of vintage and creatively repurposed clothing. More than 35 vintage clothing vendors traveled from across Oregon to participate, offering pieces spanning a wide spectrum of eras, from the nostalgic styles of the Y2K period to items predating the 1970s. This diverse selection highlighted the enduring appeal and quality of pre-owned garments.
Showcasing Local Artistry and Growth
Adding another layer to the fashion focus, approximately a dozen local artists were present, displaying and selling their original clothing creations. These artists brought unique perspectives to sustainable fashion, transforming existing materials or designing pieces with longevity in mind. Among them was a vendor named Bell the World, specifically recognized for their specialty in crafting eye-catching bell-bottom pants fashioned from vintage material. This particular focus underscored the potential for innovative design within the upcycling movement.
The festival has experienced significant growth since its inception. Beginning with just 26 vendors in its first year, the event at the Farmers Market Pavilion this year featured 57 vendors, in addition to food booths, reflecting its increasing prominence in the regional vintage and sustainable fashion scene.
The Importance of Repair: The Fix-It Fair
A critical component of the day’s activities was the co-located Fix-It Fair. Offered free of charge, this service provided attendees with the opportunity to bring one item of clothing, leather goods, or jewelry for repair. Operating on a first-come, first-served basis, the Fix-It Fair emphasized the practical side of sustainability, offering a tangible way for individuals to extend the life cycle of their belongings and reduce consumption.
This focus on repair aligns with growing efforts to combat fast fashion’s environmental impact by promoting mending and durability. The presence of skilled repair volunteers offered valuable assistance and expertise to festival-goers, reinforcing the message that repair is a viable and important alternative to discarding damaged items.
Community Collaboration and Engagement
The execution of the event was a collaborative effort, hosted in part by the city of Eugene’s sustainability department. This partnership highlights the municipal commitment to promoting environmentally conscious practices within the community. The event provided a platform not just for commerce and repair but also for broader community engagement.
Attendees enjoyed various forms of entertainment throughout the day, contributing to the festive atmosphere. A dedicated fashion show offered vendors and artists the chance to showcase their unique pieces on the runway, providing inspiration and visibility. Furthermore, the event facilitated connections with resources like the ToolBox Project, enabling participants to learn about tool loan options, another service promoting shared resources and reduced individual consumption.
A Model for Sustainable Events
The combination of a marketplace for vintage and upcycled goods, a practical repair service, artistic showcases, and community resources positions Eugene’s Founded Fest and Fix-It Fair as a model for sustainable urban events. By bringing together vendors, artists, repair experts, and community organizations, the festival created a holistic experience centered on conscious consumption, creativity, and collaboration.
This fifth iteration demonstrated the strong local interest in moving towards a more circular economy, where materials are kept in use for as long as possible. The event not only celebrated unique style but also empowered individuals with the tools and knowledge to make more sustainable choices in their daily lives, from selecting vintage garments to repairing beloved items.
