Evan Hirsch bought a $6 dress from Goodwill to give it a one-of-a-kind makeover.
After spending hours hand-beading and adding more to the garment to make it a possible contender for a prom dress, Hirsch returned the gown to Goodwill.
He hopes that by doing this, it will allow someone who wouldn’t regularly be able to have a custom-made gown purchase a unique piece at an affordable price.
By revamping a simple $6 dress from Goodwill, Evan Hirsch is creating more than just a garment — he’s offering someone the chance to experience the magic of a custom-designed piece at a fraction of the cost.
This gesture is a fusion of creativity, sustainability, and giving back. The inspiration for this project stemmed from a desire to help others.
“I originally had the idea to do a giveaway for prom season,” Hirsch tells PEOPLE exclusively. “I wanted to give someone the opportunity to have their dream dress come to life. At a time when prom dresses can be expensive and there have been issues with two people wearing the same gown, I wanted to alleviate some of that stress.”
However, the logistics of a giveaway proved challenging – until he came up with the idea that would both benefit others and showcase his creativity.
“That’s when I had the idea to pick a pre-made dress at Goodwill, give it a couture makeover, document the process, and place it back on the rack, so hopefully the right person would fall in love with it and hear the story of how it came to be,” he says.
The hours Hirsch spent laboring over the dress obviously increased the would-be sticker price, though by returning it to Goodwill, he’s effectively removing that barrier the cost would create. “Each strand of beads has to be hand placed and tacked,” Hirsch explains. “Each bead on a strand is individually secured to the dress, which is a time-consuming endeavor.”
Evan Hirsch
The original Bebe dress Evan Hirsch found at Goodwill.
Hirsch’s project is a statement on many levels – particularly accessibility and sustainability.
“Many people aren’t able to say that they’ve had a couture dress made for them,” Hirsch tells PEOPLE. With the rise of fast fashion, the idea of owning a custom piece is becoming increasingly rare.
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By upcycling a neglected garment, Hirsch hopes to give someone the chance to experience the beauty and craftsmanship that goes into creating a piece.
“When I found the red Bebe cocktail dress at Goodwill, it was pilled and had noticeable loose threads on the center front of the top,” he says. “I figured if I could give this piece a couture makeover, it may enhance the overall appeal of the dress.”
Evan Hirsch
Evan Hirsch’s completed dress.
Sustainability is the heart of his project. “Fashion is one of the most wasteful industries,” the designer admits. “And I am not going to act like I am not a part of the problem. I am very guilty of overconsumption, especially when it comes to buying and stock-piling fabric. But doing more projects like this will certainly contribute to doing my small part in combating this waste.”
Related: Bride Finds Dream Wedding Reception Dress at Goodwill for $7.99 — ‘It Felt Like It Was Meant to Be’
Upcycling allows him to breathe new life into items that might otherwise be discarded or overlooked. “I love doing upcycling projects. It gives you a good feeling to repurpose something and give it new life. This is especially rewarding when you know that you are doing good for the environment,” Hirsch says.
However, this dress is not his first project of this kind. From turning an old corduroy jacket into a messenger bag to transforming blouses into skirts, upcycling is a passion he intends to continue exploring. He also advocates for more designers to embrace it.
Evan Hirsch
Evan Hirsch on the runway after one of his shows.
“I think more designers should definitely consider upcycling. However, I do recognize the challenges,” he admits. “Most designers want to create clothing and sell a bunch of units. That is increasingly difficult when the design is a custom deadstock upcycled piece. However, there is an audience that appreciates one-off designs and the sustainability aspect.”
Hirsch was pleasantly surprised by the number of people who resonated with his project and the “idea of giving back and finding a hidden gem that evokes sentimental value,” he adds.
Ultimately, the project is about more than just fashion, but about giving back and fostering a sense of community. “My hope is that the dress makes it to someone who appreciates it,” Hirsch says.
Evan Hirsch
Evan Hirsch returned the upcycled dress to Goodwill.
Although the designer purchased the dress for just $6, the bargain was a sale price. When he returned the dress to Goodwill, he learned the sale had ended and the dress would be placed back on the rack at its original price of $11.99.
Nevertheless, by offering one of his creations at an accessible price, Hirsch is making the art of fashion a little more attainable for someone who may never have thought it possible — a tradition he intends to make a weekly series on his TikTok.
On April 9th, Hirsch is displaying his bridal collection on the official CFDA New York Bridal Week calendar. The final piece will be a thrift store dress he will be beading and returning once again.
Read the original article on People
