Busselton seniors in fine fashion

A group of seniors concerned about the environment have created a stunning fashion collection set to wow audiences when it hits the catwalk as part of the Sustainable Fashion Festival, which kicks off in Busselton in November.

The festival will include a packed programme of sustainability-focused events, starting on November 1 with a world record-breaking attempt at the longest-ever catwalk over water, at 3.6 kilometres.

Preparations for the event began 18 months ago in Busselton, when community groups were invited to participate through creative textile arts projects, focused on recycling and upcycling existing garments.

Seniors from Capecare Dunsborough created a collection titled ‘Banksia’, inspired by their concerns around climate change and the impact of decreasing rainfall on native flora in the region.

Their collection will be showcased at the runway show on November 8 at Churchill Park Hall.

It’s just one of many collections to feature during a week of shows from international, interstate and WA designers.

Project leader and Creative Director of the Sustainable Fashion Festival, Dr Zuhal Kuvan Mills, said the group represented the so-called ‘Silent Generation’, born between 1928 and 1945.

“They are the parents of Baby Boomers and are also known as ‘The Builders’,” she said.

“They’re the generation who literally and metaphorically built Australia after the austerity years following the Depression and World War II.

“We are honoured by their keen and enthusiastic participation.

“Their work on this textile art project over many long months will encourage and inspire younger generations in sustainability and environmental protection.”

This year will be the fourth time the international festival of sustainable fashion arts has taken place.

It will bring together fashion enthusiasts, designers and sustainability advocates from Australia and around the world at a series of events in Busselton and Perth.

The festival will provide a global stage for designers to present fashion in the new age of the Anthropocene, a term used to describe an epoch shaped by the impact of human activity on climate change.

The Sustainable Fashion Festival 24 will present ‘Closet of the Anthropocene’ to showcase the collections of 52 international and Australian designers and diverse community groups, who source sustainable materials and textiles to create unique pieces.

For more information on the upcoming festival, visit www.ecofashionweekaustralia.com