Show of creativity in green fashion

STUDENTS at the Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) Kampar campus recently had the opportunity to put their creativity in fashion to the test.

Armed with recyclable items, they designed apparel which they then modelled at a fashion show competition, as part of a series of activities held on Sept 3 to promote the importance of 5R (Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose and Recycle).

Winning design: Choo modelling an apparel designed by Yong during the competition.

Named the “R-Show in Kampar: 5R Fashion Show Design Competition”, the event, which was also held to commemorate the university’s 20th anniversary, saw the participation of 300 people.

Coming out tops in the competition were the duo Mike Yong and Andy Choo, who edged out six other groups, taking home RM200 and a laptop.

Yong said he designed the streetwear-inspired apparel while Choo modelled it during the fashion show.

“We didn’t expect to be the champions of the competition.

“We just wanted to share our creativity in fashion as we enjoy ‘do-it-yourself’ things. Winning it is a bonus,” he said.

“We are grateful that the judges and audience liked the design,” he added.

The second and third prize winners won RM150 and RM100 plus a laptop each, respectively.

Audience member Lau Pei Ying, 21, said the fashion show was unique and had great ideas that were out of the box.

“It was interesting to watch the designers explain their inspirations and plans in using recyclable items, while at the same time delivering the recycling message.

“It was a fashion show that I seldom had a chance to see, and I hope to see more similar events organised in the future,” she said.

Competition adviser and UTAR lecturer Diong Fong Wei said the idea of recycling is not new but it is still important to continue encouraging it from one generation to another.

“To instil the habit of recycling among the young generation, we need to think of creative ideas like this fashion show.

“I am hopeful that our participants will know more about recycling now, especially the practice of 5R,” said Diong.

Earlier in the day, 35 Bachelor of Communication (Honours) Public Relations undergraduates collaborated with the Kampar District Council to hold a recycling event at the campus.

Workshops, talks and exhibitions were also held to promote the importance of 5R in protecting the environment and in lowering the flash flood rate in the district.