PRESS RELEASE: Students turn waste into runway-worthy fashion at TVET Expo 2026

PRESS RELEASE: Students turn waste into runway-worthy fashion at TVET Expo 2026

September 19, 2026 - Creativity took centre stage on Wednesday as students from secondary schools across Guyana transformed discarded and recyclable materials into striking fashion pieces during the ‘Trash to Fashion Show’, one of the featured activities of the TVET Expo & Fair 2026.

Held at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre under the theme “Recycle. Reinvent. Runway.”, the showcase challenged students to rethink the possibilities of materials that are often considered waste and demonstrate how creativity, technical skills and innovation can come together to create something new.

The Trash to Fashion Show featured four categories: Casual Wear (Recycled Chic), Professional/Career Wear, Creative/Avant-Garde, and Cultural/Themed Wear. Students were tasked with designing and presenting outfits made using recycled, reused or discarded materials.

The runway featured an impressive display of creativity, with students incorporating sustainability into fashion while showcasing their individual design concepts and stage presence.

In the Casual/Recycled Chic category, Melina Moe of Friendship Secondary School captured first place with “Rise of the Golden Arrowhead,” while Quecia Joshph of New Central High School placed second with “Pages in Motion.”

The Professional/Career Wear category was won by Shaddai Scipio of North Georgetown Secondary School with “Clock It.”

In the Creative/Avant-Garde category, Destiny Hytmiah of Christ Church Secondary School secured first place with “Reclaim Royalty,” while Onella Lepps of Buxton Secondary School took second place with “The Delicious Fit.”

North Georgetown Secondary School also dominated the Cultural/Themed Wear category, with Tyfeia Torrington taking first place for “Ofishka” and Atarah Hart securing second place with “Lokono (Beauty).”

The showcase also featured guest participant Atiena Chester, who presented “Eco Alliance” in the Cultural category.

Beyond the category awards, several students were recognised for outstanding elements of their designs. Melina Moe received the awards for Best Overall Design, Most Wearable Design and Best Stage Presence, while Destiny Hytmiah earned Most Creative Outfit, Best Use of Recycled Materials and Best Transformation.

TVET continues to provide students with opportunities to move beyond theory and apply their skills through practical, creative and hands-on experiences.

Through initiatives such as the Trash to Fashion Show, students are encouraged to see technical and vocational education not simply as classroom learning, but as a pathway for developing creativity, problem-solving, entrepreneurship and skills that can be applied in the world of work.