Designers repurpose waste into high-style pieces at sustainable fashion show in Tura

Shillong, Oct 6: The clothes we wear somehow define who we are and at times these clothes can be an important brand ambassador in protecting the environment.

The fashion industry is the second-biggest consumer of water and is responsible for 2-8 percent of global carbon emissions, according to a recent study.

Therefore, sustainable fashion shows are the buzz word in the fashion industry these days, which has called for an urgent need to protect the environment while not compromising on the style quotient.

Keeping these concerns in mind, a unique sustainable fashion show was held on October 2 at Green Haven, Walbakgre in Tura in which designers showcased their talent in designing clothing lines from discarded, repurposed materials and natural fabrics.

The event was organised at the closing ceremony of ‘Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign 2024’ and was presented by NIFT Shillong, Cotton D’or, Rewind by Niva and Helen, and Rikmaritchu.

The challenge before the designers was to present an eco-friendly clothing line from discarded, repurposed materials and natural fabrics and they did it with élan.

The designers included innovative designs crafted from waste materials such as paper, plastic, and discarded fabric. Each ensemble was a testament to how everyday waste could be transformed into high-fashion pieces.

The clothing line not only had its unique style but it also helped to raise awareness on the urgent need for reducing waste and embracing sustainable practices in the fashion industry.

For many countries the clothing industry is an important part of the economy. This industry is valued over USD 1.3 trillion and employs over 300 million people across the world. These figures are only increasing by the day with the industry booming, according to studies.

With this boom, there is stress on the environment as over 85 percent of all textiles go to the dump every year. Washing of some of the clothes, like plastic-based or synthetic textile like polyester etc, sends a significant amount of microplastics into the ocean.

Synthetic fibers account for over 64 percent of fiber production in the world. Polyester is the most commonly used fibre in textiles. These plastic-based textiles are harmful for the environment and climate with their emission of greenhouse gases and pollutants.

According to the European Environment Agency, the textile sector is a significant contributor to the climate change in the world as this industry uses about 1 percent of crude oil production to produce synthetic fibres.

Under this context the sustainable fashion show is an eye-opener on how best to repurpose materials and use these sustainably for protection of the environment.

The organisers said Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign is not only to clean the surrounding of dirt, dust and debris, but also to see the broader picture of protecting the environment and soothe sustainable fashion show was organised.

More about State Closing Ceremony of Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign 2024 (sub head)

The event commenced with an Exhibition cum Sales Event inaugurated by Subir M. Marak, MLA of Rangsakona, in the presence of J. D. Sangma (Retd. MCS), Chairman of Tura Municipal Board, R. R. Marak, MCS, Chief Executive Officer, and K. Kharumnuid, State Mission Director of Swachh Bharat Mission Urban.
The exhibition showcased a variety of handcrafted products from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) under the National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM), Tura Municipal Board, and Prime Meghalaya. It also included an Exhibition of Art from Waste Models by various schools of Tura.

The formal closing Ceremony, held in the evening, was graced by the presence of Thomas A. Sangma, Speaker of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, along with other distinguished dignitaries, including Nikman Ch. Marak, Deputy CEM, GHADC, C. P. Marak, IFS (Retd.), Executive Chairman, MBOSE, J. D. Sangma, MCS (Retd.), Chairman, Tura Municipal Board, Jagdish Chelani, Deputy Commissioner, West Garo Hills, Manish Kumar, SDO Sardar, West Garo Hills, and Ganesan, District Forest Officer, West Garo Hills.

As part of the ceremony, winners of the Waste to Art Interschool Competition were felicitated, recognizing the creativity and environmental consciousness displayed by students in using waste materials to create artistic masterpieces.

Additionally, awards were presented to Safaimitras from various Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) of Meghalaya to honor their dedicated service in maintaining cleanliness and promoting the values of the Swachh Bharat Mission.

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