Sustainable Textiles

The fashion industry is estimated to be responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions – more than international flights and maritime shipping combined!

Our Sustainable Textiles programme consists of events and competitions to help better connect you to the clothes you wear and understand their impact on the planet.

Addressing textile waste generated by the fashion sector is crucial, given the alarming surge in clothing inundating our landfills. The proliferation of fast fashion has flooded markets with inexpensive trendy attire, resulting in overstuffed closets and yearly spring clearouts. While decluttering feels satisfying, opshops can’t accommodate the magnitude of clothes we donate, with a growing proportion being poor quality and ending up in landfill. So it’s essential to consider the fate of these garments and strategize ways to prevent the issue from arising in the initial stages. Join us as we explore these issues and provide solutions on a personal level with our Sustainable Textiles programme.

Re:Stitched Runway Upcycled Fashion Comp 2026

Registrations open Thursday 14 May 2026

Re:Stitched Runway invites you to transform clothing destined for landfill into runway-ready outfits, celebrating creativity, sustainability, and circular fashion. Whether you’re a seasoned designer or just keen to give it a go, this is your chance to get creative, learn new skills, and shine on the runway.

How it works

Contestants receive a selection of second-hand garments and a “challenge garment” to include in their design. You’ll then have one month to create a fully wearable outfit. Entries are judged on:

Wearability
Construction
Creativity
Sustainability

Key Dates

Registrations open: Thursday 14 March
Clothing pick up & competition begins: Saturday June 27
Fashion Show: Saturday 25 July

(Tickets to attend the runway show will be available closer to the event.)

A look back at last year

In 2025, we saw a record-breaking 64 outfits hit the runway, with an incredible standard of design and innovation. The evening was filled with creativity, connection, and inspiration, showcasing what’s possible when we rethink waste. The challenge garment was a branded high-vis workers shirt, all contestants had to incorporate it into their outfits! Check out the photos below and see how creatively it was used.