This year seniors in Granada Hills Charter’s high school program wondering what to wear to the prom will have a budget-conscious and earth-friendly option. Instead of wasting time and money shopping online or at expensive shops, they’ll be able to browse racks of dresses at school – and pick one for free.
Erica Brauer, who teaches Chemistry and Environmental Science at GHC, and several fashion-savvy and eco-minded students are accepting donations of formalwear to create the school’s first-ever “Prom Closet.” The purpose: To offer a stylish selection of free items for prom-bound GHC seniors, giving them the option of turning their backs on “fast fashion.”
Brauer said the Prom Closet will be open to all GHC seniors, including those who may be facing financial hurdles, as well as students seeking an environmentally-friendly alternative to shopping for brand-new items.
“I want the Prom Closet to contribute to a sense of belonging and inclusion for all students, no matter their situation,” explained Brauer. She said the idea for the Prom Closet had been brewing in her mind for a few years and was originally inspired by students in her science classes.
“In my Chemistry class we do an environmental science unit, where they pick something that they’re passionate about and research how it’s related to Chemistry,” she said. “[For] a couple of years in a row, one of the topics of interest has been fashion and [how it affects] the environment. [Students] realized that ‘fast fashion’ is problematic and creates a lot of waste and pollution.”
Fast fashion refers to the production and sale of inexpensive clothing by mass-market manufacturers and retailers in response to changing fashion trends. Clothing production has doubled since 2000 – the fashion industry produces approximately 150 billion garments per year, and 87% (40 million tons) end up in landfills, according to data from EarthDay.org.
Other fast fashion facts: The apparel industry is responsible for 4% of greenhouse gas emissions, and clothing manufacturers often utilize toxic dyes and heavy metals in garments. Untreated wastewater is often dumped into rivers and oceans, contributing to global water pollution.
Raquel Mansour, a junior at GHC, said she believes the Prom Closet is a great eco-friendly approach to finding a dress or suit for the prom, while at the same time hopefully encouraging students to be “more sustainable for the world” when it comes to their everyday shopping.
“A lot of people like to shop for cheap clothing, using Shein or other companies that do fast fashion – and some even use child labor – which is obviously not good for the world,” she said.
“We want to promote the idea of buying clothing at thrift stores and selling older clothes [you don’t want anymore] or giving them away for free to people who need them,” continued Mansour. “[It’s] a more sustainable way to live and just cheaper overall for everyone.”
Brauer elicited the support of Mansour and about half a dozen other enthusiastic students – both from her classes and the school’s Fashion Club – to make the Prom Closet a reality. They put out the word to the GHC school community in early March, requesting donations of new or gently-used dresses, shoes, tuxedos, suits, ties and accessories – in all sizes and styles.
So far, the response has been steady and generous, with several dozen dresses and numerous accessories already donated – even a pair of Prada heels – and many more donations expected.
During the first week of April, students will be able to select a dress or other clothing items and accessories during the Prom Closet giveaway event on campus. Although the details haven’t been finalized, Brauer said they will likely allow 10 students to browse at a time, with student volunteers from the Fashion Club on hand as one-on-one fashion advisors to help “shoppers” select and style their prom outfits.
“I have no fashion sense, but these kids have a lot of style,” chuckled Brauer. “There will be a lot of options [to choose from], so one fashion consultant will be assigned per student to be their personal dresser [and suggest] what might look good or help them accessorize. So they’re going to get a really cool experience – one they wouldn’t get if they just go shopping on their own.”
Thrifting Event Evolved to the Prom Closet
The Prom Closet will be the second clothing giveaway at GHC. During the fall semester, Brauer helped organize a “free” thrifting event on campus – dubbed the Granada Hills Charter Closet. They received hundreds of donations of lightly used clothing, and the participating students eagerly combed through tables stacked high with T-shirts, sweaters, jackets, shorts and jeans.
“It was completely free – [students] just grabbed whatever they wanted, and anything that wasn’t taken we ended up donating to a local charity, so everything went to a good home,” described Brauer, adding that “going thrifting” seems to be growing in popularity, especially among teens.
Thrifting – shopping at vintage stores, garage sales or swap meets for pre-owned clothing or other items – can help reduce the waste byproducts created by the overproduction and overconsumption of ever-evolving fashion, said Danny Morales, a Fashion Club member.
“The idea that second-hand shopping is socially acceptable is growing,” said Morales, a junior at GHC. “We’re setting an example [with the Closet events], to make it more cool. Thrifting is more environmentally friendly than just throwing everything away or letting it go to waste. And it’s not only about the pieces you get and finding treasures – it’s the experience of thrifting.”
Vivian Jingozian, a junior, said the on-campus Closet events not only increase awareness about the financial and ecological benefits of thrifting, they also offer easy opportunities to participate.
“A lot of students are so busy and don’t have the time or the resources to be able to go to a thrift store,” said Jingozian, noting that studies, extracurricular activities and other responsibilities can limit their free time. “So by having it on campus during school hours, it increases the chance that people will actually go. … It also makes it easier for people who don’t want to say they need the clothes. … I feel the accessibility of the Prom Closet makes it much bigger and more special.”
Any leftover clothing and accessories from the Prom Closet will either be donated to a nearby school or a local charity, or, space permitting, be saved for next year, said Brauer. But both teacher and students agreed – they definitely want to make the GHC Prom Closet a yearly endeavor.
“The Prom Closet is for everyone, regardless of need,” said Brauer. “Everyone has access.”
To donate new or gently used clothing, shoes or accessories for the Prom Closet, email Erica Brauer at ebrauer@ghctk12.com, or drop off the items at the school’s main office during regular school hours. Granada Hills Charter is located at 10535 Zelzah Avenue in Granada Hills.