Sustainable fashion week highlights

The first-ever Sustainable Fashion Week, held from March 28 to April 4, brought together students, designers, and sustainability advocates in a week-long celebration of eco-conscious style. The event aimed to raise awareness about the environmental impact of the fashion industry while showcasing practical and creative solutions for more sustainable clothing choices.

Throughout the week, the campus buzzed with activity as attendees participated in a variety of workshops, exhibitions, and interactive events. Organisers focused on promoting circular fashion practices, such as upcycling, mending, and mindful consumption. The initiative was designed to empower individuals to make more informed decisions about their wardrobes and to highlight the role of fashion in addressing climate change.

One of the key themes of the week was accessibility. All events were free and open to the public, ensuring that students from all backgrounds could engage with the content. From panel discussions with local designers to hands-on DIY sessions, the programming was curated to appeal to both fashion enthusiasts and sustainability newcomers alike.

Participants were encouraged to reflect on their own consumption habits and to consider the lifecycle of their clothing. The week also served as a platform for student-led initiatives, with several clubs and organisations contributing to the planning and execution of events. This collaborative approach fostered a strong sense of community and shared purpose among attendees.

By the end of the week, Sustainable Fashion Week had not only sparked important conversations but also inspired tangible action. Many students left with new skills, a deeper understanding of sustainable fashion, and a renewed commitment to reducing their environmental footprint through conscious clothing choices.

Secondhand bazaar and repair fair

One of the most popular events of the week was the secondhand clothing bazaar, which transformed the student union courtyard into a vibrant marketplace of pre-loved fashion. Racks of gently worn garments lined the space, offering everything from vintage denim and retro tees to formalwear and accessories. Students were encouraged to bring their own items to swap or donate, creating a dynamic exchange that promoted reuse over retail. The atmosphere was lively and communal, with music playing and volunteers on hand to help attendees find pieces that suited their style.

The bazaar not only diverted clothing from landfill but also highlighted the value of secondhand shopping as a sustainable and budget-friendly alternative to fast fashion. Many students expressed surprise at the quality and variety of items available, with some walking away with entire outfits for free. The event also featured a styling station where fashion students offered tips on how to mix and match thrifted pieces to create fresh, modern looks.

Complementing the bazaar was the hands-on repair fair, which took place in the campus makerspace. Here, students learned practical skills to extend the life of their clothing, such as sewing on buttons, patching holes, and darning socks. Local tailors and textile artists volunteered their time to guide participants through basic mending techniques, while more advanced stations offered tutorials on visible mending and creative upcycling.

For many attendees, the repair fair was their first experience with garment repair, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. Students appreciated the opportunity to gain useful skills in a relaxed, supportive environment. The fair also included a “fix-it” challenge, where participants were invited to bring in a damaged item and transform it into something wearable again. The results were displayed on a communal clothesline, showcasing the creativity and resourcefulness of the student body.

Together, the bazaar and repair fair embodied the core values of Sustainable Fashion Week—reducing waste, valuing craftsmanship, and empowering individuals to take control of their fashion choices. These events not only diverted clothing from landfill but also sparked conversations about the environmental cost of throwaway culture and the importance of caring for what we already own.

Project Runway-inspired fashion show

The week culminated in a Project Runway-inspired fashion show that brought together creativity, sustainability, and student talent in a dazzling display of upcycled couture. Held in the university’s main auditorium, the event drew a full house, with students, faculty, and community members gathering to witness the transformation of discarded garments into runway-ready designs. The show featured ten student designers, each tasked with creating a look using only secondhand or repurposed materials sourced from the bazaar and local op shops.

Backstage buzzed with energy as models were fitted into garments crafted from everything from old curtains and denim scraps to deconstructed formalwear. Designers had just 48 hours to conceptualise, construct, and style their pieces, echoing the high-pressure format of the popular reality TV show. Despite the time constraints, the results were nothing short of impressive. Each look told a story—not just of fashion, but of resourcefulness, environmental awareness, and artistic expression.

The runway itself was lined with recycled cardboard and fabric banners, and the lighting was powered by a solar generator, reinforcing the event’s commitment to sustainability. As each model strutted down the catwalk, the emcee provided commentary on the materials used and the inspiration behind the designs. Highlights included a cocktail dress made from repurposed neckties, a streetwear ensemble fashioned from old sports jerseys, and a dramatic evening gown constructed entirely from plastic shopping bags and netting.

A panel of judges, including local designers, sustainability advocates, and fashion lecturers, evaluated the entries based on creativity, craftsmanship, and adherence to sustainable principles. The top prize went to a third-year design student whose avant-garde look combined vintage lace with hand-dyed fabric scraps, earning praise for both its aesthetic appeal and thoughtful construction. Audience members were also invited to vote for a “People’s Choice” winner, adding an interactive element to the evening.

Beyond the competition, the fashion show served as a celebration of what’s possible when sustainability and style intersect. It challenged conventional ideas of beauty and value in fashion, proving that with a bit of imagination and effort, waste can be transformed into wearable art. For many in attendance, it was a powerful reminder that fashion doesn’t have to come at the planet’s expense—and that the future of style is not only green, but also bold, inclusive, and innovative.

Sustainable fashion week highlights

The inaugural Sustainable Fashion Week, held from March 28 to April 4, brought a fresh wave of eco-conscious energy to the style scene. With a curated lineup of events, the week celebrated sustainability without compromising on creativity or flair.

One of the standout moments was the free secondhand clothing bazaar, where students and fashion lovers alike could browse and swap pre-loved pieces. The event not only encouraged circular fashion but also showcased how vintage and thrifted garments can be reimagined into modern, on-trend looks.

Another highlight was the hands-on repair fair. Here, attendees were guided through techniques to mend and revitalise damaged apparel—think visible mending, patchwork, and upcycling basics. It was a practical nod to slow fashion, empowering participants to extend the life of their wardrobes with style and intention.

The week culminated in a fashion show inspired by Project Runway, where student designers unveiled collections crafted with sustainability at the core. From repurposed denim to garments made from deadstock fabrics, the runway was a celebration of innovation and conscious design, proving that ethical fashion can be both bold and beautiful.

Student engagement through eco-friendly events

Student involvement throughout the week was nothing short of inspiring, with a strong turnout at every event and a palpable sense of purpose in the air. The repair fair, in particular, became a hub of creativity and collaboration. Students brought in everything from torn jeans to worn-out jackets, learning how to breathe new life into their garments using traditional techniques like sashiko stitching and modern methods such as fabric painting and appliqué.

Workshops were led by local artisans and fashion educators, many of whom emphasised the importance of garment care and mindful consumption. These sessions weren’t just about fixing clothes—they were about shifting mindsets. Attendees left with not only repaired pieces but also a renewed appreciation for craftsmanship and the environmental impact of their fashion choices.

At the secondhand bazaar, students took the lead in curating racks of pre-loved fashion, styling looks on the spot and sharing tips on how to mix vintage with contemporary pieces. The event fostered a sense of community, with many participants exchanging stories behind their garments and forming connections over shared style sensibilities.

Throughout the week, pop-up panels and Q&A sessions gave students the chance to engage directly with sustainable designers and industry insiders. Topics ranged from ethical sourcing to the future of biodegradable textiles, sparking thoughtful dialogue and encouraging young creatives to consider sustainability as a core element of their design ethos.

By the end of the week, it was clear that student engagement wasn’t just a side note—it was the driving force behind the success of Sustainable Fashion Week. Their enthusiasm, curiosity, and commitment to change underscored the growing momentum of conscious fashion among the next generation of industry leaders.