Wearable workplace waste

Workplace waste proved to be a popular inspiration at Ōrewa College’s annual wearable arts show on Thursday September 26.

“My Dad works as a telecommunications specialist, and I remember seeing all of this pink plastic at his work from equipment packaging,” Year 9 entrant Sophia Miller says.

Sophia used that plastic to create her The Princess of Plastics Present piece, earning her first equal in the Year 9 and 10 category. 

The majority of the hundreds of single-use Nespresso capsules, used to make Chanté Pretorius’ Madonna-inspired outfits, came from the workplaces of her modelling team’s parents.

“I also approached Nespresso in Albany who were very helpful,” Chanté says. “All the capsules are stuck on with a hot glue gun. There are some plaited rubbish bags on there, too.”

Other ‘work waste’ inspired garments included a dress made from a primary school’s recycled paper and a skirt made from plastic gloves.

The house competition had 55 entries across all year groups. While conservation was not the official theme, entrants scored points for using recycled materials.

The crowd of parents, teachers and fellow students filled the Ōrewa Arts & Events Centre to capacity, which was split in half by a runway.

Teacher organiser Jo Hayward said this year’s entries were “spectacular”.

“Our students put a lot of hours in to create their outfits for the day,” she said.

“We have kept wearable arts as a house competition because it’s very successful every year.”