Rigdon Hendrix wins second place in fashion competition
LED lights lit up the runway during Birmingham Fashion Week thanks to Rigdon Hendrix's design.
The 14-year-old Homewood resident was awarded second place in the Rising Design Star competition. He took home a $300 prize from Buffalo Rock, which sponsored part of the competition that required the designers to make a design out of their soda cans.
For the first part of the competition, each contestant crafted a garment representing one of Alabama’s major industries (agriculture, livestock, transportation, technology, fishing, forestry and mining) with recycled or alternative materials such as glue, staples, tape, safety pins and paper clips. These garments were on display at the Birmingham Museum of Art through April 26.
Rigdon went searching in car junkyards and body shops for materials for his transportation-themed design. He cut a car tire for straps and used car shades, chicken wire, duct tape, rubber and staples to create the look. When the dress hit the runway, it featured white and red LED lights on the wings and the chest.
Rigdon was one of the semifinalists selected to show his designs Saturday, May 9. That night a first, second and third place winner were named. Rigdon was also named a semifinalist in last year's Rising Design Star competition.