Fashion with eye towards sustainability

Company promotes recycling agenda with competition

TEN fashion designers had a chance to play their part in creating awareness about waste management and sustainability.

They showcased unique creations at the “Waste is Amazing 2023” fashion competition by Alam Flora Sdn Bhd which was held to mark the company’s 10th anniversary.

Held at Galeri Seni Tuanku Nur Zahirah (Gesturz), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Shah Alam, the event featured glamorous Hollywood-themed fashion design.

Mohamad Hilmi with the model wearing his ‘The Reflection of Harry Styles’ design which claimed first place in the fashion competition. — Courtesy pic

Unconventional materials were used to create fashion including used clothing, newspapers, plastic bags, plastic bottle caps, and aluminium can tabs.

Alam Flora chief executive officer Datuk Mohd Zain Hassan said the company’s vision towards sustainability extends beyond collection of recyclables.

“We are consistently pushing the limits in waste management by incorporating sustainable materials and taking proactive steps to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

Designer Muhammad Hakin Mat Nourdin with his creation ‘Ocean Blue’.

“Our current mission is to elevate Malaysia’s recycling rate from 33.1% to 40% by 2025,” he added.

He also said that the partnership between Alam Flora and UiTM was focused on educating young people about the importance of recycling in building a sustainable future.

The event, held for the past decade, is a testament to Alam Flora’s commitment to engage with Malaysians and nurture a culture of recycling, he said.

Designer Sky Lau Yiet Kuan presenting ‘The Jellyfish’ concept dress alongside her model.

About 50 people attended the fashion competition, with the winners picked by a three-member jury, namely Farizan Yop (representative from Alam Flora), Datuk Wahdaniah Abd Wahab (Worldstar Goodwill Ambassador Champion of The World) and Mohd Faizal Abd Hamid (senior lecturer, Fashion Department Faculty of Art & Design, UiTM Shah Alam).

Designer Mohamad Hilmi Idris claimed the first place in the fashion competition with his exceptional creation “The Reflection of Harry Styles,” earning him RM3,000 in cash, a trophy, crown, sashand a participation certificate.

Attiya Balqist’s ‘The Sweet Blossom’ concept took second place.

Attiya Balqist Asha’ari, who came in second, received RM2,000 in cash, while Siti Nabilah Mohd Roslide took home RM1,000 in cash for coming in third.

Md Zain said, “This initiative advocates sustainable practices and redefines the fashion industry’s ability to create a positive environmental impact.

“And Alam Flora is fully equipped to guide Malaysians on the journey toward a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.”