Envirohub’s upcycled clothing challenge is back to divert clothing from the landfill and turn it into something fit for a runway.
The designs of 63 Bay of Plenty contestants take to the runway at The Cargo Shed this Saturday, July 12, for Envirohub’s annual fashion show, Re:Stitched Runway.
In previous years the fashion show has focused more on wearable art – but this time, project co-ordinator Hannah Cousar said:
“We really want it [the show for designs] to be wearable day-to-day. This is to align with their focus on making more sustainable fashion choices”.
Cousar believed the youngest contestant was about 7, and the oldest would be in their 70s.
The remodelled competition follows last year’s format, where contestants were given 48 hours to turn five upcycled garments and one “challenge garment” into an outfit.
This year, contestants had been given a month to create their outfits since collecting their five garments on June 14 from the Envirohub office in Tauranga City.
Contestants were also given a “challenge garment” which they must incorporate into their design.
Re:Stitched Runway contestants collecting their garments from the Envirohub office to use for their upcycled outfits.
“This year we’ve made it a hi-vis shirt. This piece had been cut up into quarters and each entrant had to choose one of the quarters and they have to put it into their outfit some way,” Cousar said.
The clothing was supplied by Turning Point Trust, who collect excess clothing from overloaded op shops that may otherwise be taken to the landfill.
“They provide a space for people who are going through mental health and addiction issues and support them,” Cousar said.
The clothing was set up like a ‘pop-up shop’, for contestants to go and choose their pieces, Cousar said – with 102.5kg of clothing diverted from the landfill for the contest.
Hannah Cousar has received progress pictures from some of the contests and says she is amazed from what she has seen so far. Photo / Brydie Thompson
The creations would be reviewed by a line-up of Tauranga judges based on the criteria of wearability, construction, creativity and sustainability.
Emma La Rocca, founder of zero waste swimwear company, Emroce, from Pāpāmoa, will be one of the judges along with Waste Wizards NZ founder and CEO Vincent Callister from Whakamārama, former model Jo Page and choreographer of the Sustainable Art Challenge Fashion Shows; and DJ and avid second-hand shopper Jeffery Oakley from Te Puke.
The show will be MC’d by Sarah Lancaster from Tauranga, the owner of Sew Love, teaching people how to sew upcycle clothing. Cash prizes will be given in both the open and high school categories with first place receiving $250 and the runner-up receiving $100.
Doors open 6pm Saturday, July 12, at The Cargo Shed with the show starting 6.30pm. Tickets cost $10 each.