Innovation, sustainability, and style collided in spectacular fashion show on August 2 at the fourth annual TC Model Management Trashion Show, held at the Ooskus Gymnasium Primary School Hall.
With a strong focus on environmental awareness and sustainable fashion, organised by TC Model Management owner and founder Chantal Pillay, the event has become a fixture in the local calendar and celebrates the dream of future in which fashion is 100% sustainable.
Participants were challenged to design outfits using only recycled and repurposed materials, showcasing not only their modeling skills but their artistic ingenuity.
Their thoughtfully crafted pieces, earned high praise from the directors from show sponsors DNF Waste Management’s Deidre Nxumalo-Freeman and Patricia Pillay from Polyco.
Top honours for the night went to Soyolise, whose masterpiece captivated judges and audience alike. Drawing inspiration from Tyla’s “Sands of Time” Met Gala look, she fused materials such as glass sand, paper, leather offcuts, plastic, wire, and natural forbears into a dramatic and cohesive ensemble. Her design was a stunning tribute to the past and a hopeful nod to a more sustainable future.
The ubuntu prize, awarded for a design that best embodied spirit, community, and cultural pride, went to Khuthala Tyani. Her breathtaking dress, echoing the colours and shape of the SA flag, was paired with a bold hat and matching bag, earning her roaring applause from the crowd.
In second place, Jonathan Burns stunned the audience with a fully functional trench coat crafted from plastic bags he had ironed together, complete with working buttons and zips.
The piece looked polished enough to hang on a retail rack. The third prize went to Leané Blom and Amahle Mputhul.
Blom donned a skirt crafted from repurposed wire and Spar delivery bags, which was complemented by her plaster of paris top, made with bandages and cloth material.
Mputhulo’s design turned heads with her innovative use of tinfoil with plastic and paper.
Follow TC Model Management on social media to see more photos, behind-the-scenes moments, and highlights from this year’s Trashion Show. And if you missed it this year — start planning your look now for 2026!
