TAFE and Red Cross unite to put upcycled fashion on the runway

Fashion students are collaborating with Red Cross Shops to transform pre-loved clothing into runway gems, with designs to be unveiled on 2nd September in a charity-fundraiser upcycled fashion show, Eco Luxe!

Join us and witness one-of-a-kind designs made by Kangan Institute students using donated garments and materials from Red Cross Shops. Part of Melbourne Fashion Week, the show promises to showcase the full potential of upcycled fashion, with all designs to reflect luxury, bespoke tailoring and couture themes.

The show will also help charity, with 50% of ticket sales to be donated to Red Cross.

Now in its fourth year, Kangan Institute and Red Cross’ annual upcycling project challenges fashion students to rethink how and where materials are sourced, and explore creative ways to transform pre-loved garments into runway showpieces.

Red Cross Shops Head of Retail Richard Wood said the partnership was a great tribute to creativity, ingenuity and sustainable fashion. 

“Red Cross Shops is thrilled to support Kangan Institute’s fashion students in bringing cutting edge designs to the catwalk, all informed by a reduce, reuse and recycle philosophy,” he said.

“Melbourne Fashion Week guests can also feel good knowing they are helping people facing tough times, with proceeds of ticket sales supporting the vital humanitarian work of Red Cross.”

Kangan Institute’s CEO Phill Murphy said the project gave students vital practical learning experience and encouraged fashion and sustainability enthusiasts to attend.

“I’d like to thank Red Cross Shops for supporting Kangan Institute students on this meaningful project. By considering sustainable fashion principles, this experience better equips our students for a future in the ever-evolving fashion industry,” he said. 

“Eco Luxe will showcase the talents and creativity of a new generation of designers, plus it’s a great cause, so I really encourage anyone who’s interested in fashion and sustainable living to join us.”   

When:    Monday 2 September 2019, 7pm to 8.30pm
Where:   Meat Market
                3 Blackwood St, North Melbourne

Tickets are available on kangan.edu.au/ecoluxe.

Media welcome to attend a photo opportunity. Please contact Alex Byrnes (abyrnes@kangan.edu.au) for a media pass.