PHOTOS: Rubbish to Runway Fashion Show

HOUSTON -- Coffee sleeves, shower curtains, and newspapers, it was a very unique fashion show at Rubbish to Runway Houston.

The event showcased garments that are made from recycled, re-purposed and revamped materials. It's the first of its kind in Houston and all the proceeds from the show will go towards the non-profit organization Long Way Home.

"Everything on the runway is made with just creativity and things people normally throw away," said Elizabeth Rose, Founder and Director of the original Rubbish to Runway in Massachusetts.

Long Way Home promotes sustainability in design and construction. The organization operates in Guatemala and works to build self-sufficient schools out of waste materials, while promoting education and environmental awareness.

"The show and the organization go hand-in-hand because the materials used are recycled and re-purposed," said Founder of Rubbish to Runway Houston, Yessenia Morales. "In the schools they are building, the walls are made out of tires, recycled glass, trash bags and plastic bottles, so not only are they doing good by building the school but they are teaching the community about recycling."

Morales had a special motivation to start Rubbish to Runway Houston, to honor her twin sister Vanessa Morales who died last year in a tragic car accident just days before her birthday. Before she passed away Vanessa had asked her friends instead of giving her gifts to donate to her Birthday for a Cause Campaign benefiting Long Way Home. Her goal was to raise $500, but after her passing, Vanessa's family and friends have donated over $10,000. Long Way home is now going to add a library in Vanessa's name. Morales says the Rubbish to Runway fashion show combines her sister's favorite things fashion, recycling, education and giving back.

"I think Vanessa would have been excited about today. I think it turned out fun like she was and I think she would be proud for sure," said Morales.

Vanessa's former dance coach, Alice Henrichsen, said this event would have been right up Vanessa's alley and is the perfect way to celebrate her memory on her 26th birthday.

"She was always so fashionable and dressed to the nines. She was very creative and would have been all over the designs," said Henrichsen.

Rubbish to Runway Houston is going to be a yearly event and Morales hopes to grow the event further and keep the memory of her sister alive.

"I hope it gets bigger and better every year," said Morales.