REVIEW : TRASHION SHOW

REVIEW :'23 TRASHION SHOW

SOPHIE BRASSEY

IN COLLABORATION WITH BRISTOL HUB, UOB'S FASHION FORWARD SOCIETY RETURNED IN 2023 WITH THEIR CHARITY TRASHION SHOW. fashion editor, sophie brassey, was there.

If the controversy surrounding fast fashion has taught us anything from 2022, it is that less is more. 2023 is the year to shop smarter; it is the year to take a step back and reconsider before buying into micro-trends. This changing attitude toward shopping should also urge us to take a different outlook on fashion. Rather than wearing, buying, and looking at clothes with ‘trends’ in mind, we should be admiring them for what they are. We should look at clothes like we would art, something to admire. This approach to fashion is certainly prevalent in Haute Couture but is something 2023 calls for in ready-to-wear collections.

Last week at Bristol’s Fashion Forward Society's ‘Trashion Show’, student designers embodied this new sustainable approach. In collaboration with Bristol hub, the show emphasised the importance of the ideas behind the clothes. The theme ‘metamorphosis’ was a nod toward this transformation of attitude that we should take toward fashion in the new year. This avant-garde expression of creativity showed that dressing well doesn’t require new materials or keeping up with the latest trend; what matters is creating something new and exciting (and looking good whilst doing it).

Metamorphosis: change of physical form, structure, or substance. : a marked and more or less abrupt developmental change in the form or structure of an animal (as a butterfly or a frog) occurring subsequent to birth or hatching.]

With 23 different looks, 16 different designers, and an eclectic range of materials used, each look in the show was as unexpected and unpredictable as the last. All unsurprisingly made out of ‘trash’ (or reused materials), the show not only embodied a sustainable perspective in essence but also physically. It truly embodied the metamorphosis the fashion industry is undergoing to have a more sustainable relationship with materials.

From the ceiling of Strange Brew hung an array of fake Salvia flowers. This, combined with a strong purple light and a series of colourful abstract clips playing on a screen, transformed the venue into what felt like being inside Monet’s ‘The Artist's Garden’. Compared to the (slightly miserable) streets of Cabot Circus, you could feel the buzz of excitement just by stepping into the space. Small clothes and accessory brands created a mini-market, and sellers Project Pancheewa, Hross Gems, Neto’s Crochet Store (brand owner Neto Ken-Amobi also designed two looks for the show), and Pash Makes all embodied the slow-fashion and sustainable values reflected in the show.

Although the outfits showcased were designed by different creatives, there was a

few striking similarities in the looks throughout the show. One being the use of

crochet: two of my favourite outfits, both by Neto, followed this trend. These pieces

included a two-tone beige skirt and top set, the other a multicolour minidress with a peplum hemline and a

string of fabric wrapping up and around the arms. The designer, who fell in love with crocheting after picking it

up as a hobby over lockdown, has grown her brand and talent over the past three years. The handmade looks

were a homage to the growing “slow” fashion industry, showing that it is always worth investing in quality

pieces. The outfits were a fun and refreshing take on the classic summer mini dress.

PHOTO CREDIT: SOPHIE BRASSEY

Another recurring theme was graphic detailing. The double denim two-piece (see left), made by Jess, featured doodle-like detailing. Jazzing up a simple outfit, the designer used bleach and a paintbrush to lighten the colour of the fabric. This method can be used to sustainably reinvent an old pair of jeans, rather than buying the latest JadedLondon knockoff on Shein.

The monochrome red ensemble below on the right is detailed with a cartoon head.

Designer Ella Griffith talked to us about the process; the jacket and her other look

were hand-painted using acrylic paint. The Tim Burton-esc details, characterised by

big shining eyes and long necks bridged the gap between fashion and art. Once

again, these four pieces prove that a designer’s creative vision can shine through

the materials and that clothes can become something to admire in themselves rather than used for function or trend. By adding creative intent to pre-used materials, we can see the fabric itself

undergoing metamorphic change.

PHOTO CREDIT: SOPHIE BRASSEY

My favourite look from the show, by designer Orin, was a three-piece ensemble made from bin liners (see below). Using red spray paint and ribbons to elevate the material, this outfit perfectly shows how ‘trash’ can be transformed into something interesting and exciting.

Meeting and exceeding high expectations, the Fashion Forward Society’s second ‘Trashion’ Show was exciting, engaging, and fun. It was an amazing reflection of how our generation is taking a stand against fast fashion and successfully finding new ways to express ourselves through clothes. More images and information about the Fashion Forward Society’s show can be found on their Instagram @ uobfashion.