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This weekend Bahrain will witness a fashion show with a difference as models parade around in original outfits that have been fashioned out of junk, writes Anasuya Kesavan.
The kingdom's first recyclable fashion show competition will be held on Friday, 5.30pm at the Lagoon on Amwaj Islands.
Ten young designers have taken on the challenge and are putting finishing touches to their creations and accompanying accessories that have been designed out of materials that generally find their way to landfill sites but could be recycled and reused.
Among them is budding fashion designer Dr Hussain Yousif, 29, from Hamad Town.
An ophthalmologist at the Salmaniya Medical Complex, he has been designing clothes for a close circle of family and friends who have patronised his services for fashioning wedding gowns and formal evening wear.
Dr Yousif said: "This is an exciting and challenging opportunity. I am creating outfits that will be dazzling and spectacular complete with frills, laces and belts. The male attire gives a modern and contemporary look."
While competitors vie for the top three prizes of the evening, show organisers Eventscom are hoping to motivate young people and spread the message of reducing waste and protecting the environment.
Zahraa Taher, founder and CEO of Eventscom, which has been organising a variety of events directed at protecting the environment for almost a decade, said: "A social message cannot be delivered in one day and through a one-off activity. Our programmes are directed at different age groups to help raise environmental awareness among the public.
"Recyclable fashion is a different and creative concept. It combines talent with a social message while giving an opportunity to youngsters for having fun while rummaging through their rubbish.
"We have to change attitudes and behaviour and become a more environmentally friendly society. Many families do not know how to make these changes. We are trying to put forward an interesting idea that will make people think and protect our environment all day, every day."
Participants have been encouraged to use secondhand items such as buttons, appliquŽs, embroidery and similar ornamentation. Clothing and accessories can also incorporate household or office items that might otherwise be thrown away.
Huda Al Qarooni, member of the judging panel and head of Art and Design Division at the Bahrain Training Institute said: "The outfits need not be wearable. They should show creativity and should be able to bring out the idea while creating awareness.
"We will be on the lookout for creativity, imagination, style, fit, materials used, colour, matching accessories and the overall appearance."
Mrs Huda will be joined by artist Abbas Al Mosawi, Marie Dhaher representing United Nation Environment Programme, Roaya Tariq and Mahnaz Qasim representing Bahrain Women's Association for Human Development.
The fashion show venue is sponsored by Lagoon. Venue dŽcor design is sponsored by Chandal Group led by Salah Bu Shihri, group owner who will be introducing a unique stage and catwalk built from recyclable items.
Jacques Dessange will style the models' hair while makeup is sponsored by Sephora. Winners will receive prizes from Al Zain.
The show is part of the sixth annual Environmental treasure hunt held under the patronage of Shaikha Hind bint Salman Al Khalifa, head of Children and Mother's Welfare Society.
Entry to event is free and open to all.
