Green became the new black when a group of talented young designers from 20 schools around the Mitchells Plain area showcased their environmentally inspired designs on Saturday, 29 August at the Liberty Promenade Shopping Centre.
It wasn’t your run-of-the mill fashion show, however: in addition to displaying a flair for fashion, these future fashionistas were tasked with proving they’re also able to creatively reinvent waste materials. So rather than turning to silks, voiles and other exotic fabrics associated with the craft, these young designers constructed innovative gowns from far less glamorous materials, such as plastic bags, cardboard boxes, cans, bottle tops, milk and egg cartons, and more.
Explaining the concept, Michelle Britton, Centre Manager at Liberty Promenade said, “The best teacher is still experience and that’s the impetus for the event. Through participating in the show, learners gain first-hand awareness of environmental issues and the need for recycling waste. As part of their briefing, we invited the youngsters to ‘shop’ for their materials at the Centre’s waste management service ‘Don’t Waste’. In this way they start appreciating the need to recycle, but in a fun, interactive way”.
Management at Liberty Promenade invited more than 60 schools in Mitchell’s Plain to participate, and the first 20 schools to register were selected. Each school then formed a design team of five learners who work together to select the recycled materials and design their outfits.
With today being show-day, two members from each school acted as representatives on-stage. Looking like true professionals, one learner showcased the creation, while the other took to the stage to explain the creative concept, as well as how their team went about meeting the environmental challenge. They also explained how their design encompasses the theme and why they are proud to be South African.
Each year the design teams are given a particular theme with which to work. This year the show celebrated Heritage Day and designs had to include a ‘proudly South African’ theme. Outfits reflected elements the teams believe identify, or are typical of, South African culture, heritage and tradition. These could range from the colour of the South African flag or the design to the style and cut of a ‘Madiba’ shirt, traditional dress, and more.
A panel of three judges evaluated each design at the show, recording their recommendations on a scorecard. The judges evaluated each garment for its design elements, construction and visual impact, as well as overall presentation by the school and how well they interpreted the theme. Photographs taken at the event will now be displayed for the public to make their voices heard by casting a vote for their favourite design. An independent auditor will verify the results and the top scoring primary and high school will be announced on Tuesday, 22 September.
The two winning schools will receive a prize of R25 000 each, to be used towards improvements and refurbishments at their school.
