From trash to flash

At no time in history has fashion been more socially conscious. With alarm bells ringing over ecological concerns such as global warming and species extinction, even the fashion world has stepped in to do its part in preserving the environment. The world has seen the rise of “green” brands — products that consciously use indigenous materials or shy away from overly processed chemical ones. On a smaller scale, designers are banding together to promote projects that do not harm Mother Earth.

One such project was the La Salle College International fashion show, which was held last June 24 at the Glorietta Activity Center as one of the highlights of the 2nd Annual Barangay San Lorenzo Business Week, sponsored by the Barangay San Lorenzo Business Association.

The show, called “Sustainable Fashion” and featuring selected student and teacher creations made out of recycled materials, fit into the Business Week theme, which was “raising environmental awareness in today’s business.”

La Salle College International is a fashion school that trains students aspiring to make it in the world of fashion. They offer courses integral to the industry, such as fashion design, buying and marketing, as well as several short courses that can even be taken over a single weekend.

In this show, several of the La Salle College International students and faculty got to show off their handiwork as models strutted their stuff on the catwalk. The audience was treated to a bevy of designs made from different scrap material that would have otherwise gone to the landfill.

Students included Patricia Santos, who used silver bubble wrap to create a top, pairing it with a skirt made out of paper blooms. The result was flirty and feminine, an interesting — and adult — way to use one of our favorite childhood playthings.

Li-i Eliazar used materials more commonly found in a hardware store than in a sewing room, fitting together staple wire, chains and metal with felt paper to create a look that takes inspiration from the goth and punk movements. The creation gives a whole new meaning to the term “hardcore.”

Crisel Eslao wove old receipts into a gorgeous formal gown as a statement on today’s obsession with retail therapy while Zandrix Reyes used old tarpaulin posters to create a ‘60s style shift. Miki Hahn and Engie Garcia created wedding dresses out of old wedding invitations and compact discs, respectively.

The La Salle College International faculty designers all used Tetra Pak cartons in their creations, which made for an interesting array of designs inspired by one material. Grace Paglia’s Asian-inspired cone dress was simple but eye-catching, while Lydia Pajam’s short silver dresses with red trim reminded one of futuristic bond girls. Jiji Cinco’s ruffled long pants and tube top exuded elegance, while Gerry Katigbak’s halter dress looked like it was decorated with mother-of-pearl, not juice boxes, and Danilo Franco’s green and silver skirt and bodice looked like it could be worn by soldiers of the future.

The show was directed by Gerry Katigbak, while Danilo Franco served as creative consultant. Indeed, the world may still be a long way off from cleaning up its act, but as long as groups such as the Barangay San Lorenzo Business Association and La Salle College International continue to promote environmental consciousness, there may still be hope for Mother Earth — as well as a creative alternative for fashion — yet.