Trash turned trendy: How one designer is changing fashion in Sonoma

A designer from Missouri is turning heads in Sonoma this spring by showing that fashion doesn’t have to cost the earth—literally. Cory Infinite, a viral designer known for crafting runway-worthy outfits from junk, will judge the annual Trashion Fashion Runway Show at the Sonoma Community Center on April 18. What started as a pandemic hobby while working grocery carts has exploded into a movement with over 800, 000 followers across social media, proving that creativity thrives even in unexpected places. Two days after the show, Infinite will host a free public talk on April 20, featuring a look at his latest book—a 2025 release co-created with photographer Evan Reese Johnson. The book doesn’t just showcase his designs; it flips the script on what fashion can be. His work ranges from a 55-pound suit built from forks and spoons to pants stitched together with pennies, proving that trash can become treasure with the right vision. Even celebrities like Erykah Badu have worn his pieces, and he’s collaborated with brands like Converse and artists like A$AP Rocky.But Infinite’s rise wasn’t overnight. In 2020, he ditched high school early to chase his passion, sewing clothes in his spare time after shifts at the store. His big break came when an influencer with millions of followers shared one of his designs—within a day, his follower count skyrocketed. Today, his message of “infinite human potential” resonates with a generation rethinking waste and style. Sonoma’s event isn’t just about the runway show. On April 25, the community will celebrate Earth Day with a free “Trash Bash, ” where past designs go on display and locals can join sustainability workshops. It’s a reminder that fashion isn’t just about what’s new—it’s about what’s next, even if that next thing is something most people throw away.