The National University of Samoa (N.U.S.) on Thursday hosted the 2021 Trashion Show which saw student models take the stage in attire made out of waste material.

The show, whose ultimate objective was to draw attention to the importance of the country’s recycling and waste management practices, was a collaboration between the Samoa Recycling and Waste Management Association, Government officials and the President and Vice Chancellor of the university, Aiono Professor Alec Ekeroma together with the deans of each N.U.S. department as well as lecturers.

The President of the Samoa Recycling and Waste Management Association, Marina Keil, said in an interview with the Samoa Observer during the pageant night that the event not only highlights the importance of recycling and waste management, but it also initiates innovative thinking by students who participated.

"As you've witnessed in tonight's (Thursday) event, some contestants are wearing dresses made from waste materials like plastic bottles," she said.

"The pageant encourages its participants to think outside of the box and be innovative when it comes to making a dress design from waste materials. 

“That's why we've incorporated trash and fashion to come up with the title of this year's event The 2021 Trashion Show.”

N.U.S. Faculty of Education Art Lecturer and the coordinator of the event, Peru Tugaga, told the Samoa Observer that her students have been creating dress pieces using waste material and trash.

"The students have been working on their designs for the past month. Tonight's event is the culmination of the students' innovative thinking in using waste materials as part of fashion," she said.

"I thank the Samoa Recycling and Waste Management Association for assisting us in holding the 2021 Trashion Show which has impacted the way students can use and recycle waste materials to create something new.”

Poincianna Tafunai Alaelua, who was one of the students who took part in the 2021 Trashion Show, said that she is glad she now has gained the knowledge to produce dresses and costumes from rubbish and trash.

"This is a very positive initiative that promotes the use of waste materials, not only does it help keep the environment protected but it also inspires fashion ideas," she said.

"One of the pieces I wore was made out of plastic bottle caps, which took about three weeks to complete. 

“I'm glad to be doing something that keeps the environment safe as we celebrate the National Environment Week 2021.”