‘Rags to Runway’ presents an eco-style showdown

With imagination and creativity sewn together, pre-loved garments were given new life and showcased at the recent 'Rags to Runway' trash fashion show, proving that style does not have to come at the expense of the environment!

Over the course of this 5-week pilot project at the Marketplace Theatre in Armagh, participants of all ages and backgrounds shared skills, ideas and stories to inspire the evolution of their unique fashion creations. Every garment told its own story and every young woman's creation allowed her personality to shine boldly on the runway.

Among the participants were young people from the Education Authority Youth Service Epicentre, taking part through the Neighbourhood Renewal programme.

Speaking at the fashion show, Lord Mayor Alderman Stephen Moutray said, "Projects like this remind us that sustainability is not just about recycling materials. It's about rethinking how we value the things we already have and demonstrates how one person's trash can be another person's treasure. This project has also showcased community spirit, collaboration and the belief that small actions can make a real difference across our borough."

The event was supported by Miss Northern Ireland and advocate for sustainable fashion, Carly Wilson who hails from Rathfriland and modelled an upcycled wedding dress, designed by the participants.

Representatives from the not-for-profit organisation, Tools For Solidarity also attended the event. The charity supports artisans in the poorest parts of the world and mostly in the countries of Africa. This act of solidarity enables them to become more self-reliant and have some hope for the future.

This project was funded by The Executive Office through the District Councils Good Relations programme.