Recently, the Da Nang University of Architecture has coordinated with the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and the Centre of Research and Community Inclusive Support (CORMIS in short) to organise a fashion show themed “Expressive Textile Arts and Community Inclusion”.

A disabled model confidently performs on the stage

The purpose of the event is to raise public awareness of fabric waste reduction in the community, especially students, and at the same time, to help people with disabilities integrate into the community and be more confident in life.

Accordingly, students from the aforementioned universities have been actively involved in designing costumes for people with disabilities from leftover fabric.

Putting on a costume designed by the group of students, and performing in front of a crowd for the first time, Nguyen Thi Ly Na, a disabled member of CORMIS), could not hide her tears of happiness as she performed on the stage.

Na emotionally expressed "I am so happy because I never thought that one day I could confidently perform in a fashion show in front of a crowd like that. The students here help me be more confident and forget my defects”.

She said that she was even happier that recycling fabrics and protecting the environment - a job she and other members of CORMIS were doing through the waste recycling programme for a happy life - was increasingly garnering interest from young people.

The event brings a unique, creative and humane fashion show

Participating in costume design at the event, Bui Ngoc Nhu Y, a third year student majoring in Graphic Design of the Da Nang University of Architecture, said that thanks to the event, she became more aware of the dangers of unintentional shopping, and recycling old items and leftover fabrics.

Even though he only stayed in Da Nang for 10 days to participate in the event, the image of a beautiful and charming city, plus friendly and dynamic people, left a deep impression on Ryan, a student from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

Ryan said that through this event, he was inspired a lot about environmental protection. He affirmed that he will continue to spread the inspiration to people who share the same interest in recycling fabrics and pursuing sustainable fashion when returning to Hong Kong.

Mrs. Nguyen Thi Lan Chi, Director of the Community Engagement Learning Centre of the Da Nang University of Architecture, said that the fashion show aimed to inspire students to recycle their clothes which seem like being thrown away into new items, thereby raising their awareness about environmental protection activities.

“Such activities will help students be more creative, improve teamwork skills, and hone their English communication skills with international students” Mrs. Chi said.

​Reporting by THU DUYEN - Translating by M.DUNG