From Waste to Power: tHERAPY at Berlin’s Next Top Quing Drag Finale

Upcycled fashion challenges the way we see waste. At Berlin’s Next Top Quing Finale, this idea took center stage during the contest and in two powerful runway shows by tHERAPY Recycle and Exorcise and Fade Out Label.

The event celebrated creativity, sustainability, and identity by challenging the contestants to turn discarded materials into bold, expressive outfits.

This was not just a fashion show. It was a statement about value, privilege, and transformation.

The Meaning Behind Upcycled Fashion at the Finale

The tHERAPY collection presented at the finale was titled WASTE IS PRIVILEGE. This phrase flips the usual story about waste. Instead of seeing discarded materials as worthless, the show highlighted their hidden value. The fabrics and pieces used came from diverse sources:

• Bed sheets, Curtains, a duvet...

• A vintage corset reshaped into a dress

• A coat rescued from the streets of Kreuzberg, hand-painted by the designers

• A dog harness repurposed as an accessory

• Scraps of jeans and leftovers from an upcycled men’s suit and more....

  
  

Each item carried a history and a new identity. Some materials traveled from closed shoe factories in Argentina. Others were donated by neighbors in Berlin. This mix of origins added layers of meaning to the collection.

How the Show Reversed Hierarchies of Value

The runway was part of Berlin’s Next Top Quing Finale, the first drag contest focused on upcycled outfits. The event brought together artists, designers, and performers who use fashion to challenge social norms. During the tHERAPY runway, the queens on stage became “monsters of privilege,” turning the idea of waste on its head.

This transformation went beyond fabric. It questioned who gets to decide what is valuable and what is discarded.

The message was clear: waste is not just trash. It is a resource, a story, and a source of power.

The Role of tHERAPY Recycle & Exorcise

The project behind the collection, tHERAPY Recycle & Exorcise, is a female-immigrant, Latina-led art and fashion initiative based in Berlin and Córdoba, Argentina. Their work focuses on inclusivity and sustainability. Every piece they create uses second-hand or discarded materials, giving them a new life and identity.

Their approach is both artistic and political. They use fashion to recycle not only materials but also cultural meanings and social roles. This adds depth to the show’s impact, making it a platform for voices often excluded from mainstream fashion.

Collaboration and Community Impact

The finale was organized by Queerbertg's Berlin’s Next Top Quing and the shows were put together in collaboration with Fade Out Label. The event took place at the legendary SO36 club, a space known for its alternative culture and history of supporting queer and underground scenes.

Special thanks went to the SO36 stage team and Emrah from the Queerberg collective for their support and inclusion. The collaboration created a space where creativity and community thrived together.

The queens who walked the runway brought the collection to life. Their performances and presence turned the garments into statements of identity and resistance. Some of the powerful quings included:

• @bellafromberlin

• @reflektra

• @toylettepaypr

• @queenjustmean

• @juicycaaa

  
  

Their participation showed how fashion can connect with performance and activism.

Practical Lessons from the Upcycled Fashion Movement

This event offers valuable insights for anyone interested in sustainable fashion or creative reuse:

• Look beyond the surface: Materials that seem worthless can become unique fashion statements.

• Value craftsmanship: Upcycling requires skill and imagination, which deserve recognition.

• Challenge norms: Fashion can question social hierarchies and beauty standards.

• Build community: Collaboration between artists, designers, and performers strengthens impact.

• Support local and global sources: Combining materials from different places enriches stories and connections.

  
  

These lessons show how upcycled fashion can be a tool for change, not just style.

The Future of Upcycled Fashion in Berlin and Beyond

As more events and projects embrace upcycling, the fashion industry may shift toward more responsible and creative practices. The success of this show suggests a future where fashion celebrates diversity, sustainability, and bold expression.

The journey from waste to power is ongoing. It invites everyone to participate in transforming what we throw away into something meaningful and strong.

Yours truly,

tHERAPY Team