Would you wear recycled waste material?
Naome Kenyegamo Kirunda, fashion designer who makes items from waste products. PHOTO BY ESTHER OLUKA
What you need to know:
- Trending. Did you know that there are outfits and accessories made from discarded material? Designers are cashing in on this trend which also helps save the environment, writes Esther Oluka.
Imagine the things you could make from waste products such as old car tyres, plastic bottles and even polythene bags.
Let us take the example of old car tyres. One can make shoes, bangles and even necklaces from these tyres, says Naome Kenyegamo Kirunda, a fashion designer who makes accessories and designs from recycled material.
Kirunda not only recycles car tyres, but also utilises other waste material, including polythene bags and sacks to make trendy accessories.
“Some of the beautiful bags I make are from from sacks. Then, on some occasions, I may use rope strings for making hair bands,” she says.
Across the world, notable designers have been seen showcasing exquisite couture from recycle material. Some have used cardboards, feathers and even newspapers for making designs and accessories for their clients.
For this photoshoot, Deborah Aketch is wearing recycled outfits and accessories from Kirunda’s collection. Unlike what many people think, Kirunda says the accessories can be worn in everyday life, for instance when going out with friends.
The same goes for the bag. It can be used at different events as well. For the outfits, Kirunda says they are ideal for costumes in music videos, movies or cultural activities. The recycled pieces come in different prices, for example, the outfits may range from Shs20,000 to Shs100,000.
Chat with the designer
What inspired you to start making designs from waste material?
It is all about protecting the environment. I am trying to discourage communities from burning waste, especially plastic and polythene which have adverse effects on both the environment and human health. Besides, the beauty of using waste material for fashion is that it is cheap and unique.
Where do you get your waste material from?
I have a school, so materials such as sacks and empty plastic bottles are from there. Some of it is also from shops and neighbours who give them to me for free.
What is the most challenging waste material to use when designing outfits?
They include plastic, rubber especially used car tyres. Sometimes, they may require a lot of strength to cut up or break down. The alternative would be burning, which is not safe.
How much do the recycled products cost?
The prices are different depending on the product. A pair of earrings may cost Shs5,000, purses may cost Shs10,000, safari bags may go for Shs50,000 while sandals may cost Shs30,000.
