LU Arts, Enva, the Student Success Academy and the Loughborough Enterprise Network sponsored the event, providing cash prizes to the winner of each of the four categories: Re-wear, Re-purpose, Re-generate and Re-invent.
Winona Obee won the Re-wear category where entrants had to create catwalk ready looks from thrifted items. Their look explored silhouette with a colour palette of red and black. All the items and accessories worn were purchased from charity shops or passed down through their family.
The aim of the Re-purpose category was to utilise waste and recycled materials to create a unique look. Karla Horridge won with a look that used plastic bottles, cardboard boxes, newspapers, and magazines. It was primarily constructed using papier-mâché and aimed to mirror the sustainability and self-preservation of mushrooms, as the roots of the natural world.
Theo Fort-Schaale took the prize in the Re-generate category where entrants had to revamp existing fabrics and materials. Reminiscent of billowing smoke, the garment is made of cotton vests and is transformed by the wearer to reveal a contrasting design beneath, reflecting the often-unseen impact of products made through industrial processes. Tengjin Bian and Kenzie Emmott were also highly commended in this category.
The final category was Re-invent, where students worked closely with artist Bruce Asbestos to create high-fashion garments using recycled materials. Amirali Dastouri’s entry won this category with a garment that reimagined Robin Hood and what he might look like in a dystopian apocalyptic future.
Rachel Curtis, Enterprise Community Lead and Show Director said: “When I came into my role at LSU, I had a vision to create the first ever sustainable fashion show on campus. We celebrated creativity, sustainability and reinvention, and showcased the incredible talent from our student population, giving them a platform to express themselves in creations.
“It was absolutely incredible to see everyone’s hard work come together in such a spectacular way and I want to thank everyone who was involved.”