BROOKINGS — Preparation is underway for the annual Nail the Runway event and Brookings Area Habitat for Humanity is searching for designers.

This year’s event is scheduled for March 15, 2025, and Brookings Area Habitat for Humanity is celebrating its 30th anniversary in the Brookings community.

This is the seventh year for Nail the Runway and this event is unlike any other. During the evening of the event, designs are showcased from local creators who dedicate their time to design an outfit (or outfits) made from at least 50% construction material in a “fashion show” setting. This event, supported in part by Brookings Home Team powered by Century 21 Krogman & Company, supports Brookings Area Habitat for Humanity’s purpose of ensuring everybody has a decent, safe and affordable place to live with 100% of the proceeds go to construction programs, building homes and helping families grow strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter.

Details for designers

Executive Director Jess Wulf shares “the first step for designing an outfit for Nail the Runway is to be confident and don’t let your creativity be hindered by an inability to sew or lack of design background, you’d be amazed at what hot glue and perseverance can do.”

Staff are also happy to connect new designers with mentors to offer guidance and support throughout the process. Over the years, Nail the Runway has showcased designs created by middle-schoolers to retirees with diverse backgrounds and abilities.

Logistically, designs must be made of at least 50% construction materials and include at least one or all elements from previous years. These elements include carpet, tile, paint, nails, keys and mirrors.

Designs can be completed individually or by a team of designers and each designer or design team will choose their own model. Designs will go in front of a panel of judges prior to the runway show and designers will have the opportunity to share their design concept, materials used and process of creation with the judges.

Following this, the runway is lit up and models are invited to walk the catwalk as the peak entertainment for the event. At the end of the evening, awards are given for Best in Show, Most Innovative Use of Construction Materials, Most Wearable, People’s Choice and Best Runway Prescence. One designer from a team and the model receive free entry for the event, a free meal and hair and make-up services are donated for the participants.

To sign up to be a designer visit the BAHFH website at brookingshabitat.org/nail-the-runway/ and follow the link to the design entry form or email staff at jana.krogmann@brookingshabitat.org or call (605) 697-2540. Deadline to sign up is Jan. 31, 2025.

Not interested in designing? The Brookings Area Habitat for Humanity team would still love to see you there. Be on the lookout for early bird tickets to go on sale Jan. 23, Wulf said. “the generous people in our community are the key to Brookings Area Habitat for Humanity’s success.” Nail the Runway is seeking sponsors for the event and donations for the silent and live auctions that take place during the evening. If you would like to make a donation of any kind or sponsor the event, call the BAHFH office at 605-697-2540.