0Z8C8556Students from schools across Hertfordshire took part in the 23rd Recycled Fashion Show at St Christopher on Saturday 25 February 2017.

The catwalk show featured over 90 costumes designed, made and modelled by students from Whitehill Junior School, William Ransom Primary School, St Andrew’s Church of England Primary School, Knights Templar, Princess Helena College, Wilbury Junior School, St. Francis’ College and junior and senior pupils from St Chris.

The theme for this year’s show was Adventures and Discoveries. Between one and four students formed the design team for each costume, and spent weeks designing and creating them using recycled materials.

On the day the students put together hair, make up and accessories to complete the finished look for the show, accompanied by live music in the St Chris theatre.

EO0A9162During the show an expert judging panel picked a selection of winners from different age categories. This year’s panel comprised: Fashion photographer and filmmaker Sølve Sundsbø; designer and stylist Sofia Prantera; fashion photographer Esther Haase; costumier Lydia Hardiman; and artist Amanda Bloom.

The judges had a tough job but the winners from each category were:

Junior category: Izzy lambert, David Ingram and Matthew Stancombe from Whitehill Junior School for ‘Clever Columbus’

Lower school category: Rosie Semple Jones and Isobel Holt from St Chris for ‘Tea-rific Adventure’

GCSE category: Amy Reid modelled by Niamh Wase from Knights Templar for ‘Deep Blue Sea’

A level category: Oisin Stanley-Stephenson from St Chris for ‘Unknown’

Overall winner: Best Use of Recycled Materials: Georgia Owens from St Chris for ‘Splash’

Overall winner: Best costume: Rowan Bazley from St Chris

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Richard Palmer, head of St Chris said: “The Recycled Fashion Show is a real highlight in the St Chris calendar and we’re delighted that in this, its 23rd year, so many children took part from different schools across the region. The theme of recycling has never been more important when faced with the realities of our environmental impact on the planet, and it’s brilliant to see how our young people respond to these challenges with creativity and ingenuity. Congratulations to the winners and all who took part – the selection of costumes this year was really stunning ”

Proceeds from this year’s show were donated to Practical Action – an international NGO that uses technology to challenge poverty in developing countries.

An exhibition of over 30 of the best costumes is at the Letchworth Community Museum from Saturday 4 March.

Exhibition open to the public: 4 March, 9 March, 10 March, 11 March.

10.00 am to 5.00 pm, Free entry.

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