Newspapers, feathers and plastic bags dominated the colourful impromptu fashion show hosted by the Faculty of Arts and Design’s Extended Curriculum Programme (ECP) last week Friday, 24 August 2018.
The fashion show which was held at the Durban University of Technology’s City Campus Courtyard Centre saw ECP students taking to the runway to model outfits that they have made from recycled material.
The fashion parade is an important fixture in the ECP’s calendar, and it forms part of the student’s continuous assessment.
ECP coordinator, Julie Anderson explained that, “The students were required to produce a contemporary, sculptural fashion design piece from ‘found’ objects that will be modelled as part of an overseas fashion show and the piece is to reflect modern day South Africa and their heritage within this context.”
She also added that the project makes the students stop, think and find material and in doing so, it opens up their eyes to their surroundings.
“Sustainable fashion used to give a cluttered and messy impression; it conjured images of jagged fabrics, collaged techniques and unsophisticated styling but that was not the case with these designs. The students try harder when they realise they have to actually wear their outfits and they can’t hide or showcase inferior work,” added Anderson.
ECP student, Bongiwe Khumalo who modelled her feathers and potato chips packet creation said she was proud and satisfied with her design.
“The initial plan was to make an outfit that was inspired by the rich Indian culture in Durban, without losing the brief we were given and align it with the pigeons here on our campus, which is why I used the feathers, I also used potato chips packets which I found around my yard,” said Khumalo.
In previous years, ECP students have showcased their recycled material creations at the Sustainable Living Exhibition hosted by the eThekwini Municipality.
Pictured: Faculty of Arts and Design’s Extended Curriculum Programme students showcasing their garments made from recycled material.
Nasiphi Gigaba
