Innovative fashion and life skills on display at 2025 Iowa 4-H Awardrobe

By Sydney Peterson
Iowa State Extension and Outreach

AMES, Iowa – One hundred forty-nine youth from 70 counties participated in the 2025 Awardrobe Clothing Event held at the Iowa State Fair on Aug. 7. This event provides 4-H members in grades 9-12 the opportunity to showcase their apparel design and production knowledge, as well as their creative skills. As a part of the showcasing experience, youth complete a comprehensive report and participate in conference judging. The event concludes with a runway show for all participants.

Nora Cornell and Lily Cornell served on the youth leadership team for the event. Youth are eligible to participate as a youth leader by winning a clothing project area award, an opportunity offered through State 4-H Recognition Day. Nora and Lily worked throughout the summer to plan the runway show theme, decorations and program.

“Our planning team and volunteers strive to make this event a celebration of hard work, creativity and passion. Through Awardrobe, our senior members demonstrate their expertise, connect with peers, and compete for scholarships that support their continued growth,” said Clark Colby, 4-H arts, communication and design youth program specialist and Iowa 4-H Awardrobe coordinator with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

The event has four categories. In clothing selection participants select or purchase garments based on their individual wardrobe needs or for a specific occasion. For fashion revue the garment is constructed, hand-knitted, machine-knitted or crocheted by the participant. Innovative design encourages participants to think creatively and out-of-the-box to exhibit theatrical costumes, cosplay, wearable technology, sustainable/upcycled fashion and/or outfits that use unconventional materials. In the $20 challenge the participant purchases an outfit for $20 or less from garage sales, consignment shops or clothing resale stores, emphasizing the concepts of reusing, recycling, reducing and repurposing.

“Some of the most important things I learned at the Awardrobe event are life skills—like interviewing skills and talking to different types of people,” said Ailey Marburger from Mills County. “While shopping, I realized that while looking for clothes, it’s important to make a list of things and qualities you’re looking for and know what you’re looking for.”

Marburger explained that she was modeling a horseback riding outfit. “In my case, one of the things I was looking for—because I’m riding and moving around a lot—was flexibility and breathability in the materials of what I was picking out. It does get hot at horse shows, so finding something lightweight yet still durable was important to me.”

In describing her outfit, Gracie Nelson from Woodbury County said, “I brought an innovative design dress that has ramen noodles on top with the flavors shrimp and creamy chicken, and the lower part of my dress skirt is made out of 600 coffee filters. My shoes are flip flops that I cut up ramen noodle packages and tied them to, and I glued ramen noodle packets to create my bag and then attached a black chain allowing me to carry it. I got the idea for this outfit out of my love for ramen and coffee, so I decided to design an outfit combining both of the things I love together.”

“The most important thing I learned while designing my dress is that if something doesn’t work, there’s always other solutions – it’s not like be-all, end-all— there’s always alternative solutions to help fix your problems when designing unique outfits like this one,” Nelson added.

Before the runway show, all participants completed report forms to identify their clothing and fashion goals, the cost per wear of the outfit, the garment’s construction features, how to properly care for the garments and their future educational and career goals. “These are some of the topics youth discussed one-on-one with judges for evaluation,” said Colby.

“My favorite part about participating in Awardrobe is that you get to meet many new people. It’s super fun,” said Erin Lewis from Harrison County.

“This program opens doors to career exploration, fosters meaningful connections, and empowers youth to feel truly beyond ready — equipped with the confidence, skills and leadership mindset to thrive in college, careers and life,” said Colby.

Nelson said the 4-H Awardrobe events at the county and state levels have sparked her interest in a career in the industry. “In the future, I would like to work at the Smithsonian Museum and major in museology. I think overseeing all the presidents' and other important historical outfits, costumes and textiles, and the upkeep of that in making sure they stay maintained, preserved and presentable for the public for years to come would be a really rewarding career.”

Maya Hoefelmeyer from Jackson County explained that she designed and sewed her two-piece outfit. “Finding a pair of jeans that fits me is very tough since I’m [a dancer and] gymnast, so I knew I wanted to create some sort of project related to jeans.”

Hoefelmeyer continued, “I learned a lot about design elements and principles when creating this outfit. I had to learn how to balance out an outfit while adding some fancier textures, lines and shapes. Today [at the Awardrobe event] I’ve learned not to be shy, just really engage with people. It doesn’t matter what you’re wearing, you can always find conversation in similarities with other members or volunteers. Awardrobe is a fun event; everyone is here to learn from each other.”