Fifteen years of wrap to runway

Bubble Ball emcee Jackie Schmillen hosted the evening in 2024, decked out in her best bubbles. (Photo: ChildServe)

By Rylie Smith

As the countdown to April 12 begins, designers and crafters throughout Des Moines are transforming ordinary packaging materials into runway-worthy creations. Des Moines’ most imaginative charity event is back for its milestone 15th-year anniversary.

The Bubble Ball, ChildServe’s signature fundraiser, showcases wearable art created primarily from bubble wrap while supporting children with special health care needs across Iowa.

Sarah Dornink, the event’s runway director, has been with the Bubble Ball since its inception. “This event has grown beyond what anyone imagined,” she said. “We started at Embassy Club West and have recently outgrown even the Grand Ballroom at the Iowa Events Center.”

The event was born when former board members Soozie McBroom and Jim Willer were tasked with creating a signature fundraiser for ChildServe. “Soozie read that it was bubble wrap’s 50th anniversary and made the connection – we wrap our most precious things in bubble wrap, and ChildServe protects some of our most precious kids,” Dornink explained.

Each year features a theme – this year’s is “Wild Wonders: Adventure into Animal Kingdom.” Designers submit their concepts for approval to ensure variety on the runway. Creative guidelines require that 70% of each garment’s exterior be bubble wrap, allowing designers to use fabric foundations for comfort and structure.

“The best pieces have drama and details that catch people’s eyes,” Dornink said. “What I love is that designers can be literal or imaginative with their interpretations.”

In previous years, the evening’s festivities were hosted by emcee Jackie Schmillen wearing elaborate bubble wrap creations, including a Victorian ensemble designed by Sarah Dornink last year, with a custom wig created by Justine Year, pictured above.

More standout designs from the past 15 years include:

Sarah Grant’s vibrant dragon creation from the inaugural Bubble Ball showcases the event’s whimsical approach to transforming bubble wrap into art. The piece was later displayed at ChildServe for several years.

 

Julie Stork’s sun-inspired design showcases the dramatic potential of bubble wrap. A 13-year veteran of the event, Stork creates stunning pieces and assists at the alteration station.

A Chewbacca costume crafted from shredded tan bubble wrap demonstrates the creative transformation of packaging material into an iconic character from Star Wars.

Sarah Dornink’s playful Chicago Cubs-themed group costume featuring a bubble wrap mascot head and baseball bats brings team spirit to the runway.

A futuristic Jane Jetson-inspired costume showcases creative innovation with purple bubble wrap, capturing the space-age aesthetic of “The Jetsons” while demonstrating the material’s sculptural potential.

Vicki Nail’s meticulously crafted Victorian-inspired golden gown exemplifies the extraordinary detail possible with bubble wrap. Nail, who creates one showstopping piece annually, transformed flat bubble wrap into elegant ruffles.