Old hats, blankets and beaded nightgowns are set to get a new life at the Dress for Success Recycle the Runway Fashion Show in Rotorua this week.
Driven by their sustainable values and keeping pre-loved clothing out of landfills, designers from as young as ten from around the region have taken up the challenge of creating bespoke one-off garments using recycled items and clothes from landfill.
The garments will be showcased on the catwalk in a light-and-sound event curated by local designer Kharl Wirepa.
Dress for Success Bay of Plenty President Michelle Pleydell says, “Every year we see thousands of fabulous second-hand garments donated, many that could be given a second life but unfortunately end up going to landfill.
“Through this event, we’re able to inspire young New Zealanders and designers to reduce textile waste and reuse garments by giving them a new life through inspired designs and a little extra love.
“We have young designers, dressmakers and those looking to fashion as a career joining us, it is so exciting to see such enthusiasm for sustainability and wonderful creativity in our community. We can’t wait to see these creations come to life.”
In addition to the well-loved categories of streetwear, bridal, evening wear, and avant-garde, Dress for Success Bay of Plenty is excited to introduce its newest category – The Landfill Challenge.
The Landfill Challenge Category is sponsored by Dress for Success partner, Vanish, and will save unloved items discarded in general landfill waste, bring them back to life with Vanish products and, through the designer’s creativity, repurpose them into items of their choice.
Commenting on the Dress for Success partnership, Vanish spokesperson Rachel Bainbridge said: “We’re proud to support Dress For Success and its Recycle the Runway Fashion Show – an initiative that encourages people to embrace sustainable consumption while also promoting the value and positive impact preloved clothing can have on someone’s life.
“In Aotearoa, 220,0000 tonnes of textile waste end up in our landfills each year, a frightening figure that we all need to be conscious about reducing. Following simple steps like washing clothes with care and repairing outfits are just some of the things we can all do to help our clothes ‘Live for Longer’ and is something we are actively encouraging Kiwis to do.”
A panel of judges will decide the category winners and an overall winner, who will get the opportunity to showcase their design in-store at the Classic Couture Pre-Loved Fashion shop.
Darcie Rakels, aged 15, is one of Rotorua’s talented teens entering the Landfill Challenge category with a full tracksuit created from old blankets she rescued from the local dump.
“I’ve always enjoyed design and fashion and am really looking forward to this event and seeing what others have created,” said Miss Rakels. “I decided to enter the landfill category as textile waste is such a big problem and is where I will be basing my design ideas from moving forward.”
Dhanak Humayun, a fashion designer from South Auckland who is also entering the landfill category, says: “As someone in the fashion industry, and a designer myself, I have seen the impact fast fashion has on the environment and how quick people are to disregard items that have minor damage.
“Taking outdated styles and making them modern can be as simple as adding a flower, or changing the length, and I want to show people what can be done with minor adjustments and a bit of TLC using effective products like Vanish.”
Proceeds from the event will go to Dress for Success Bay of Plenty to continue assisting clients to reach their potential and gain sustainable employment.
“Our focus at Dress for Success is on assisting clients reach their potential, gain confidence, and enable them to develop their skills. We hope this fundraiser will showcase the wonderful talent we have across Rotorua and beyond, and help aspiring people in our community move towards an exciting future.”
Ms Pleydell
Recycle the Runway will be held over two nights at Rydges Rotorua on 29th and 30th July 2022.
Event Details:
What: Recycle the Runway Fashion Show
When: 29 and 30 July 2022
Where: Rydges Rotorua, Tryon Street, Rotorua
Tickets available via Eventbrite here.
