ECO-CONSCIOUS university students created zero waste fashion designs in a bid showcase their talent while helping to save the planet.

Pupils studying fashion and textiles at University Centre Colchester reused existing garments to create new styles.

The upcycled clothes were then showcased to the public at a special Re-Think Re-Work fashion show at Firstsite in Colchester.

The event helped raise £175 for St Helena Hospice.

It is estimatedmore than 15 million tons of used textile waste is produced every year, which has a significant impact on the environment.

Students on the university course, based at Colchester Institute’s Sheepen Road campus, were asked to create more sustainable fashion designs for their project portfolio.

First year students applied their creative skills to donated garments from St Helena charity shops.

The clothes were dissected, dyed, printed, reconstructed and reinvented into fashion statements with printed graphics underlining the need to recycle, choose well and make it last.

Shannah Oliver, first year fashion and textiles student said the students were excited by the challenge.

She said: “Being able to create an entire outfit with zero waste has been such an exciting challenge, I’m so happy with the outcome.

“Addressing sustainability through design is extremely important.”

The project comes as there is a move towards sustainable fashion with consumers more aware of the impact fast fashion has on the environment.

It is predicted by recycling one tonne of clothing, more than half a tonne of carbon dioxide emissions is saved.

Val Jacobs, course leader at Colchester Institute said: “The project has provided many creative challenges, the first year students have produced some really inventive and exciting fashion.

“The original garments have been utterly transformed through print colour and reworking.

“It has been a great pleasure to collaborate with St Helena Hospice and raise the profile of this amazing local charity.”

For more information visit www.colchester.ac.uk/ucc