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Global Upcycling Challenge 2026
Turn thrift finds into one-of-a-kind.
#thriftflip
MEET THE JUDGES
Elle Walters
ELLERALI is a fashion brand with a mission to Recreate The Created by upcycling garments to reduce textile waste. Founded by Filipino American and former marine biologist Elle Walters, who turned to fashion as a response to the growing waste crisis in the textile industry, ELLERALI is rooted in creativity, comfort, and conscious design, proving that upcycling can be innovative, stylish, and full of life. Her work has been worn by R&B artist Kehlani, and she was named the Simple Challenge winner on Fuse TV's Upcycle Nation.
Tata Christiane
Tata Christiane is a Marseille-born label based in Berlin, creating singular pieces from upcycled materials and dormant fabrics. Born between the light of the South and the raw energy of Berlin, the brand weaves a sartorial language at the crossroads of deconstructed couture and streetwear. Tata Christiane celebrates individuality, poetic eccentricity, and the pleasure of play, while affirming emotional clothing as a slow, durable, and deeply human practice. Since 2007, Tata Christiane has invited those who wear its pieces to inhabit their clothes as one inhabits a narrative: with freedom, imagination, and joyful insubordination.
Kate Sekules
Kate Sekules is a cultural and dress historian who researches and teaches mending as both an academic field and a practical skill. A former journalist, she brings mending to diverse audiences through lectures, courses, symposium papers, clinics, events, media appearances, and exhibitions. She holds a doctorate in material culture (Bard Graduate Center), an MA in costume studies (NYU), and is Assistant Professor of Fashion History at Pratt Institute. Her publications include MEND! A Refashioning Manual and Manifesto (Penguin, 2020).
CONTEST RULES
Who Can Join
- Worldwide, ages 18+
What Is a Thrift Flip
- Turn thrifted clothing, accessories, or materials into something new and one of a kind
How to Enter
- List your thrift flip for sale, or post it as a creation on Upcyclers
- Include #thriftflip
- July 1 to September 26, 2026
Good to Know
- Entries must use thrifted clothing, accessories, or materials.
- Use clear photos or a video up to 20 seconds, plus a short description
- If your original post already has hearts, you can enter the same project by creating a new post
- You may submit multiple entries, but only one entry per creator can advance to the Top 10
- Only hearts received during the community voting period will count.
- Your entry must be your original work.
What You Win
- $500 USD + bragging rights
How It Works
- Community voting runs July 1 to September 26, 2026
- Top 10 most loved entries advance to finals
- Judges review the Top 10 finalists
Judging Criteria
- Creativity and Originality, 40%
- Craftsmanship and Quality, 30%
- Sustainability Impact, 20%
- Storytelling, 10%
- Tie breaker: higher Creativity and Originality score wins
More Details
- See Official Rules