- The event showcased sustainable fashion with outfits created by NIFT Chennai, highlighting the principles of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.
- Conservancy workers were honored as models, emphasizing the dignity of their labor and their essential role in maintaining city cleanliness.
- The initiative encouraged community involvement in environmental stewardship by promoting the donation and separate disposal of pre-loved clothes.
The ‘Shine Beyond Streets’ fashion show in Chennai, organized by Urbaser Sumeet and NIFT Chennai, set a global precedent by focusing on sustainability and the dignity of labor.
Held at Express Avenue Mall on July 13, the event showcased fashion outfits emphasizing environmental stewardship and the principles of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.
Empowering Sustainability and Labor: Chennai’s Pioneering Fashion Show
The event also honored conservancy workers, who play a crucial role in maintaining the city’s cleanliness. These workers walked the runway, highlighting their indispensable contributions regardless of weather or pandemics. The initiative not only recognized their efforts but also encouraged citizens to donate pre-loved clothes and separate waste disposal to promote widespread recycling and minimize landfill waste.
Conservancy workers, often the unsung heroes of urban cleanliness, were given the spotlight as models, showcasing the dignity of their labor. This initiative aimed to honor their critical contributions and demonstrate their vital role in maintaining the city’s beauty, irrespective of the circumstances. The fashion outfits, created by NIFT Chennai and styled by Naturals Salon, highlighted the importance of sustainable practices in the fashion industry.
Dr. J. Radhakrishnan, IAS, then Commissioner of Greater Chennai Corporation, spoke about the environmental challenges posed by illegal waste dumping. He noted that significant quantities of cloth waste and footwear are washed ashore during heavy rains, emphasizing the need for better waste management practices. This issue underscores the importance of events like ‘Shine Beyond Streets’ in raising awareness about environmental sustainability.
The event also saw active participation from the community, with Mr. Mahmood Sait, CEO of Urbaser Sumeet, encouraging citizens to donate pre-loved clothes and dispose of them separately to promote recycling. This collective effort aims to reduce the amount of fabric waste reaching landfills and foster a culture of sustainability. The involvement of various stakeholders highlights the importance of a community-driven approach to environmental conservation.
The ‘Shine Beyond Streets’ fashion show in Chennai was a pioneering event that seamlessly integrated fashion with sustainability and social recognition, setting a powerful example for future initiatives.
“This initiative marks the beginning of efforts towards a cleaner and more environmentally friendly Chennai, focusing on future generations.” – Ignacio Albert Gleiser, MD of Urbaser
