Vibrant and upcoming DUT fashionistas took fashion designing to another level by designing and modelling their dazzling ‘eco-green’ outfits which were made from recyclable materials for their sustainable project at the University’s City Campus last week.
The simplicity of paper, plastic, cardboard, tin cans and newspapers interwoven to create masterpiece ‘enviro-friendly’ outfits, broke all fashion rules with the idea of saving the environment.
The Extended Art Programme’s annual project is getting bigger, more exciting and tougher every year as first, second and third year students compete with each other to produce the best designs and for the opportunity to showcase their creations at the Durban Exhibition Centre from 22 to 24 August 2014.
DUT’s 3D Lecturer and Sustainable Project Co-ordinator, Julie Anderson, said, “It’s always exciting to see what the students come up with. They always seem to amaze me, I’m very proud of them.”
Student Sabelo Manqele, who designed a black and white jumpsuit from a plastic sack material and who was chosen as one of the top 20 best male designers said, “It took me three weeks to make my outfit. As much as I enjoyed working on this assignment, there were stressful nights and a lot of hard work involved. I am happy with my end product and the assignment was a great experience.”
Among the high end fashion exhibited on campus was the impressive mermaid dress designed by Somi Ntsodi which made the top five best female designs. The dress had newspaper ruffles attached at the bottom giving a wavy effect as Ntsodi modelled it.
The top 13 males and top seven females have been invited to attend the annual Sustainable Living Exhibition. The exhibition is an event aimed at uniting all initiatives that inspire sustainable social, environmental and economic development. The exhibition will also play a role in creating awareness on social issues such as human trafficking.
-Talent Buthelezi
Pictured: DUT’s top 13 males and seven females who were selected to attend the annual Sustainable Living Exhibition.
