Fashion students from Stratford-upon-Avon College recently showcased sustainable fashion creations at an event for Great Big Green Week (GBGW).
On the opening day of GBGW, the Sustainable Shakespeare Day was held at Shakespeare’s New Place where multiple charities and business hosted stalls, displays and events to raise awareness of Green issues such as litter, destruction of local waterways, recycling, Repair Cafes and more.
The Fashion students attended in collaboration with Rubbish Friends, a Stratford-based charity and network of like-minded individuals who do positive things in the community and for the environment.
Rubbish Friends were at the event to raise awareness of issues of littering and the importance of recycling and preventing plastic pollution, so rubbish doesn’t end up in landfill taking hundreds of years to decompose.
After seeing images of the students rubbish inspired fashion creations on the College’s social media, Rubbish Friends invited them to share their creations at the event. There were three outfits at the event made by students Daisy, Emily and Gabbie.
Daisy’s work showed Empowerment and Structure, with consideration given to circular fashion and using old clothes to create new Fashion. Emily’s dress was based on coral reefs and its destruction from plastic waste, and Gabbie’s outfit was made from builder’s old rubble bags.
The students had created some amazing work that they shared with the public
There was also a display which showcased a range of images from other students’ final projects. The event was attended by three first-year Fashion students, Daisy, Emily and Grace, who discussed sustainability within their college course and outfits displayed on the day with members of the public.
Fashion lecturer, Louisa Figus, explained why it was such a good opportunity for the students: “It was great work experience as the students got to engage with the public to discuss topics of sustainability, circular fashion, reusing, repurposing and recycling and how it is woven through their projects and pass on their knowledge and understanding to others. Understanding these practises is important as they are our future generation of designers and makers.
They also had the opportunity to speak on local radio and to the public to progress their communication skills and network with other outside charities and companies such as Rubbish Friends and the Repair Cafe.”
The students spoke to local radio about their work
Rubbish Friends were pleased to collaborate with the College and were impressed with the students work: “The students produced thoughtful and impactful pieces challenging the public to consider the harm to marine life caused by plastic pollution. Litter is just the tip of the waste iceberg and Rubbish Friends is all about working with organisations who share our vision of a cleaner, greener future. We can all be Rubbish Friends in Stratford-upon-Avon to prevent litter from polluting our town and river in the first place!”
