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The World's Top Upcycler
GLOBAL UPCYCLING COMPETITION
MEET THE JUDGES
Lena Mars
Lena Mars is the 2025 Emerging Designer of the Year, awarded by the Manhattan Borough President. She is a sustainable fashion advocate who is currently studying Fashion Design at Parsons School of Design in New York City. Her work is defined by bold, innovative approaches to textile recycling techniques that challenge the concept of what we view as “waste.”
Orsola de Castro
Creative Director of Estethica and co-founder of Fashion Revolution, Orsola launched her pioneering upcycling label From Somewhere in 1997. A global voice for sustainable fashion, she has inspired countless designers to rethink waste through creativity. Her work and advocacy have been featured in major documentaries that spotlight her as one of fashion’s most influential changemakers.
Angela Johnson
Angela Johnson is an award-winning upcycling pioneer and co-founder of FABRIC, a non-profit fashion incubator providing a ROADMAP for responsible small-batch manufacturing. Known for her iconic upcycled T-shirt ballgowns, this 30-year industry veteran champions innovation, sustainability, and education, democratizing access to the fashion industry for emerging fashionpreneurs nationwide.
CONTEST RULES
Eligibility
- Worldwide; ages 18+.
- Not eligible: Upcyclers employees/contractors/affiliates/sponsors and immediate family.
- No purchase necessary; void where prohibited.
How To Enter
- List a product for sale.
- Or post a creation; existing posts/listings qualify.
- Entry window: Oct 9–Nov 25, 2025 (PST).
Prizes
- Grand Prize: USD $500.
- Paid via PayPal or bank within 14 days; non‑transferable; winner covers any fees/taxes.
Judging
- Round 1: Top 10 by likes as of Nov 25, 11:59 p.m. PST; one finalist per person.
- Round 2: Judges’ scores — Creativity 40%, Craftsmanship 30%, Sustainability 20%, Storytelling 10% (tie → higher creativity).
For more details, visit:Global Upcycling Contest 2025 Rules