Students' recycled fashion on show

Dresses made from used teabags, men’s ties and international flags were just some of the wonderful creations made by students for a recycled fashion competition.

Budding young fashion designers from across the area were challenged to make brand new outfits and accessories only using recycled clothing and textiles at the annual Lets Waste Less Textiles fashion competition, organised by East Riding of Yorkshire Council.

This year’s contest, held at the Treasure House, drew the most entries so far – with 27 students from East Riding College, Bishop Burton College, Hessle High School and Driffield School displaying their most creative designs.

One of the most eye-catching dresses was made by Fiona Burton, 17, of East Riding College, who made her outfit out of dozens of used, dried teabags. Others were made entirely of men’s ties stitched together, flags from around the world, and another outfit with sleeves made from plastic bottles.

The winner in the Year 12 and 13 category was Chloe Frampton, 17, from East Riding College with her purple, period-style evening dress. She won a dressmaking mannequin.

The runners up were Kym Sadler, 31, a mature student from East Riding College, and Tom Bielby, 18, from Bishop Burton College.

The prizes and certificates were presented by Councillor Stephen Parnaby OBE, leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, who said: “It never ceases to amaze me what creations the students come up with, and year on year the quality of the entries just gets better.

“It’s great to see the young people getting something positive out of the competition, and I’d like to thank them all for taking part.”

All the entries were judged by Tracey Cassidy, a lecturer at the University of Huddersfield and a trained fashion designer, and Denise Davies, who has taught textiles for more than 20 years and is currently the chief examiner for AQA GCSE Textiles Technology and principal moderator for A Level Product Design: Textiles.

Denise said: “The entries were very imaginative and a very creative use of recycled fabrics. Some were quite theatrical as well, which was really interesting to see.”

Councillor Symon Fraser, portfolio holder for environment, housing and planning, said: “The aim of the event is to raise awareness of the importance of recycling and reusing clothing, and these inspiring students have shown just what can be achieved.

“Creating new garments out of reclaimed fabrics or pre-worn clothing can save money, energy and materials, and avoids using labour which could potentially be unethical.”

Each year, East Riding residents throw away up to 3,000 tonnes of clothing that could be sent to charity shops or reused – that is the equivalent of 3.7million pairs of jeans.

The winning garments and accessories have been put on display to the public in the Treasure House for two weeks.