By Vimbai Muchapondwa
It may not be obvious, but the 3Rs of the ‘Hierarchy ‘are in a particular order for a reason. ‘Reduce’ comes first, since it has zero impact. Following closely, ‘Re-use’ cuts waste and engenders no or little energy use. ‘Recycle’ comes next because it requires more energy (yet still less than to manufacture using new resources).
Designers can now think outside the recycle bin and design an outfit of wearable art based on the creative use of “trash” found, salvaged and re purposed materials. At least 60 percent of creation is made from recycled goods.
Proudly Zimbabwean Foundation (PZF) together with Edgars, Swift and KPMG hosted a Trashion Show (designing clothes from trash) which saw designers from all over Zimbabwe reprising trash as a trend.
A team of eight designers came up with 30 outfits made from ordinary trash which was paraded by models.
Deputy Minister of Environment Aaron Chigona who was the guest of honour said it is heartening to see fashion designers coming together and showing us the path of the future that litter is resource that can act as an input elsewhere and help create employment.
Mufaro Mukoti (20) fashion designer and winner of this year’s trashion show recognized that art and fashion could be used to raise the environmental consciousness of the public in a fun and positive way.
She creates couture fashion from trash as an innovative way to provide education about conservation of the environment and is motivated by her artistic background and nature.
“This show came when Zimbabwe is facing a daunting challenge of waste management at all levels of the community. The country is currently generating 2 million tons of solid waste per year with no viable large scale re-use or re-cycling strategies. All this mixed waste is accumulating at various dump sites around the country over and above illegal dump sites mushrooming in residential and industrial areas. This is not only an eyesore but an extreme health hazard,” said Collin Ratisai designer and co-ordinator of this year’s show.
“The event did not only showcase the immense talents that are housed in Zimbabwe with local designers transforming what we see as ordinary waste into amazing fashion items, but it also came as call to all Zimbabweans to come together and drive litter out of our country,” he said.
The show introduced a new taste of fashion in Zimbabwe whereby trash was considered for re-use and recycling to make new fabrics.
Petronella Mukuyu (36) fashion designer and social worker said she strives to change the way people live on the earth through innovative exhibitions that showcase sustainable fashion designs made from trash.From sacks, wire, bins, plastic bags, news papers amongst other items one can come up with innovative ideas to make garments out off trash other than doing stuff that is harmful to both humans and the environment.
“Gone are the days when designing was left for the elders only-youth are being empowered and should come up with innovative ideas to help promote trashion and a clean environment and they stay out of trouble”, she added.
Blessed(25) Bulawayo based designer and second prize winner said the event did not only showcase our immense talents as local designers for transforming what we see as ordinary waste into amazing fashionable items but it was also a wake up call to all Zimbabweans to avoid careless littering.
“I hope next time it will be bigger and better and it continues to advocate for a sustainable environment and this will go a long way in educating youngsters out there and the country at large waste management,” he added.
Some of the designers present were Natasha Mubare (20), Sarudzai (Third prize winner), Nakita and Praise.
So, if you’re not ready to reduce away your desire to be stylish, what could be greener than fashion accessories made from garbage? The purpose of the trashion show was to capture the public’s attention and inspire people to consider the environment in their daily choices at work, home, and school and in all their community activities.
Litter management has become big industry in other countries and it can be so here too.
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