'High standards' on display at returning fashion show in Slough High Street

Creative sewists repurposed fabrics and showcased new colourful outfits on a catwalk in Slough High Street on Saturday.

The Fashion Upcycle Show transformed the town square into a fashion hub for a third consecutive year.

Organised by Slough Anti-Litter Society and sponsored by Slough BID, the contest was once again open to two categories – budding fashion designers aged 13 to 19 and anyone aged 20 and over.

An ‘evening out in town’ was the brief for participants to use old clothing and create a new, wearable garment to show off on the runway.

The event opened with performances from the Polish dance group, Leśna Polana, and the Dhol Collective, and music played by DJ Stevoss.

Entries were judged by the panel Karamjit Panesar, Jyoti Sharma and MindyVStyle on visual impact, construction technique, design concept, creativity, and use of recycled materials.

A £100 one-for-all voucher was awarded to the first prize winner in the 13-19 category, Shyla Miseer, for her dress made from pillowcases.

In the over-20s category, a £50 Tesco voucher was awarded to designer and model Sally Wilson, who turned a beach cover-up into a dress, and a £100 one-for-all voucher was awarded to runner-up Jasmine Anyanwu, who turned bedsheets into a button-down top with a matching belt and trousers.

Finally, a one-night stay at The Moxy for two was awarded to designers Mewish Bokari and Aimen Batool for their high-waisted trousers and cropped camisole made from two dresses.

Tirza Meinema of Slough Anti-Litter Society said every year the ‘event gets bigger’ and there are opportunities to make clothes as well as swap and donate.

“We had a really nice summer, so I don’t think a lot of people have been inside sewing, so we had fewer participants than last year, but the quality of the items was very good,” she said.

“People really thought about the theme and what they wanted to create, like pillowcases and bedding to make a dress, or a dress made from men's ties.

“There was a lot of creativity, and the standard was quite high this year.”

A clothes swap ran alongside the fashion show for the first time, with all proceeds going to Sakoon Through Cancer.

For more information about participation, visit: www.sloughantilitter.org.uk/upcycle

Photos by Mike Swift.