When Cyndi Gusler was in graduate school, she thought that instead of simply displaying her art, she would wear it, making her body a 3-D sculpture.

Who knew that years later, Gusler’s idea would lead to the production of Eastern Mennonite University’s Trash Fashion Show, an event so large it packed the convention’s terrace with over 200 people on Thursday night.

Gusler, now an associate professor of art at EMU, launched an independent study course on fashion design. After the first fashion show completely sold out, the class became an official course.

The Eastern Mennonite admissions team followed suit at the Columbus convention in 2009, introducing a fashion show for youth that would focus on design using recycled items. The show was a hit, and Gusler geared up for a second one this year.

The 2011 Trash Fashion Show dazzled spectators with its rooftop terrace view, runway lights and even its own DJ. Forty-eight models walked the runway, 32 of them wearing clothes designed by the model or a youth group, and the rest wearing outfits designed by college students in Gusler’s class.

Resources for the clothing included Dum-Dum wrappers, electrical outlets, chicken wire, peacock feathers and Time magazines. A crowd pleaser was a wedding party complete with a bride, groom, groomsmen and bridesmaids.

“It was such an adrenaline rush,” said Rebecca Eichelberger, who strutted a dress made of Fair Trade coffee bags.

The winner of the fashion show will be announced on Friday. A second winner will be determined by the highest votes on EMU’s Facebook page. Both winners will receive an iPod shuffle.

“I’m having a heck of a time picking a winner.” said Gusler. “They’re all so good!”