Coleg Menai students' green fashion show at Bangor

Oct 29 2008 By Jamie Smith

STUDENTS at Coleg Menai have gone green over the past few weeks by making clothes out of recycled goods.

As part of their sustainable fashion project, first year art and design students were asked to set up their own ethical clothing company which included designing its logo and updating pieces of clothing.

Last week the students presented their finished project to Brigit Strawbridge – the face of BBC1’s It’s Not Easy Being Green and founder of the charity the Big Green Idea.

Tutor, Salena Walker, said: "The students have all worked enthusiastically on this project and it’s great that Brigit has come to the college to listen to their ideas as a sustainability expert and green celebrity.

"We’re hoping to work with the Big Green Idea on a number of projects which will give the students the opportunity to work for a professional client and give them the opportunity to show their work to a wide audience."

After the presentation, Brigit gave a talk about sustainability issues and her charity.

She said: "I’m bowled over by what I’ve seen today – I’m really impressed with the standard of the work and the presentations."

Student Ceri Griffith explained how her group came up with their final piece of clothing: "We started off using bright materials but were struggling to come up with a design.

"The second week a member of the group bought in some black and red materials and the design came from that! We didn’t buy anything new for the project – just recycled net curtains, lace and scarves.

"I really enjoyed the project and have learnt so much from meeting Brigit – it has definitely changed my attitude and I’ll think carefully before I buy things in the future."