29 July 2010

Re-cycle, re-use and re-live

Durban – With just hours to go to Africa’s Greatest Horseracing Event many designers eager to embrace the raceday fashion theme “It’s a Blooming Great Day!” are looking at embracing the global environmentally friendly trend of making use of recycled goods.

The movement to include recycled and modified waste materials calls for designers to expand their horizons and poses many technical challenges. However in recent months, creative use of blowtorches on waste plastic, and fabrics made from recycled plastics and metals have been central to some staggering design works

Initially the Vodacom Durban July theme might seem to lend itself to novice designers creatively attaching waste materials in a mixed arrangement to reflect the theme. This however, is not the direction intended as the fashion recycling trend is more about vibrant reconstruction of waste materials than simply including disposal materials into a design.

“Being the International Year of Biodiversity, it seemed to make good sense to go for a theme that lent itself to the creative and innovative use of reconstructed materials,” said Gold Circle Event Marketing Manager Ken Tweddell.

The recycling or “green” aspect of the theme allows for many design possibilities, which in the weeks running up to raceday have been evident in numerous interesting design concepts from designers across the country.

Designers have stylishly and tastefully made use of elements such as melted bottle caps, hubcaps, aluminium mesh, reused fabric from wedding dresses, reconstructed metal rods, an array of medical and pharmaceutical products such as earbuds, strapping tapes and cotton wool.

The event fashion programme director Tiffany Prior is encouraging designers to make tasteful and creative use of ‘green’ and recycled elements in their garments.

“Use all natural fibres produced in South Africa. Remember that recycling does not necessarily mean digging in your bin!” said Prior.

“You can rework and remake existing items in your wardrobe. You may need some assistance from a designer or seamstress to do this really well, but it can be worth the effort,” she added.

”Whatever you do, make sure it’s wearable, fits well and looks good. Play around with old accessories and hats and create something new and fresh,” said Prior.

Fashionistas opting to work with the recycling slant of the theme are encouraged to look at new ways of displaying something old. Think vintage, rather than dustbin, but think green.

The Vodacom Durban July takes place at Greyville Racecourse on Saturday, 31 July 2010. More information can be found at www.vodacomdurbanjuly.co.za

ENDS

Rob Oakley/
Gameplan Media