Call it what you wish – upcycling, dumpster couture or green fashion – Trashion was definitely a hit with students, families and teachers, as well as the photographers.
At Renaissance College, models wearing rubbish strutted down the runway as if they were wearing top designer clothing. That’s all thanks to the young innovative designers at the college who made a collection of eco-friendly garments out of recycled materials – all in the name of raising awareness about recycling in Hong Kong.
The idea of using a Trashion Show to increase environmental awareness and show, rather than preach, what is possible was the brainchild of three Year 13 students – Jane Tam, Bernice Liu and Louis Kang. And so, on 14 October, the show went on, with models wearing such recycled materials as plastic bottles, soda cans, bubble wrap, cardboard and even car tires and old Lai See packets.
“Hong Kong really lags behind the rest of the developed world when it comes to recycling,” Louis said. “The trashion concept shows that you can create something beautiful out of almost anything. We hope it makes people think twice before they throw something away.”
Head designer Jane Tam admitted that creating green-friendly fashion wasn’t without its challenges. “I’m interested in fashion design and environmental issues, so the Trashion Show project has been a real creative outlet,” she said. “But using recycled materials can be tricky, and you really have to think outside the box.”
All money raised from the event is earmarked for local environmental charities.
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