A STUDENT at Malvern St James Girls’ School has raised more than £600 for a marine charity after creating a fashion show with a twist, writes Eve Watson.
Lily Rawlings, a year 12 pupil, drew on her love of fashion to create ‘trashion,’ outfits made from recycled materials such as bin bags, straws and duct tape.
Her unique outfits were premiered in a catwalk show at the school, with all proceedings made being donated to Ross-on-Wye charity Marine Conservation Society.
The use of these unconventional materials was to raise awareness of the damage that plastic is doing to our oceans.
‘Trashion’ was endorsed by Elle Magazine UK, with editor in chief of the magazine Anne-Marie Curtis commenting: “It’s clever to combine fashion with passion for an environmental cause – brave and bold.
“It so deeply affects the fashion industry.”
Lily studied at the London College of Fashion last summer and drew on her inspiration and experience of the course to create her designs.
She said: “This project enabled me to combine my passion for fashion with raising money for a global issue.
“The aim of the show was to raise awareness of ocean pollution through an entertaining fashion event.”
Olivera Raraty, Malvern St James Girls’ School headmistress, said: “Lily’s event was a real triumph.
“She spoke so confidently and passionately about the pieces she had created and gave the audience some very powerful messages about upcycling and playing our part to protect the environment through the day to day choices we make.”
