Creating Something out of Nothing

It is not often we celebrate rubbish, but this week Isabelle Lowe, Year Nine, finished runner up in the Under 18 category of the Rubbish Costumes Competition 2022, hosted by the University Centre South Essex.

Isabelle’s costume demonstrated the creative use of a range of materials resulting in a clever and fun outfit. The design brief was to produce a costume or prop out of items usually thrown away, which inspired Isabelle to create a mini dress made from crisp packets, accessorised with a belt made from can ring pulls.

Isabelle explained, “I used these materials as I felt crisp packets are thrown away in mass quantities when they could be recycled. I also chose to use ring pulls, because big companies like Coca-Cola are some of the biggest contributors to pollution.” 

“I was really excited to receive the email telling me that I was a runner up in the Under 18 category.  I am really proud as it was the first competition I had entered.” 

Head of Textiles, Mrs Jo Bishop, said: “This is wonderful news, Isabelle should be very proud of herself, as are we.  I am delighted that she decided to apply, using her summer holiday productively to complete the project. Congratulations!”