Urbaser Sumeet and NIFT Chennai, under the guidance of Greater Chennai Corporation, presented the globally first of its kind ‘Shine Beyond Streets’ fashion show, on July 13, at the Express Avenue Mall.
The event featured fashion outfits created by NIFT Chennai, meticulously styled by Naturals Salon, emphasizing environmental stewardship and highlighting the dignity of labour.
Attendees experienced how fashion can powerfully communicate the three R’s: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. The showcase demonstrated sustainable fashion’s role in reducing the burden on our landfills.
The event honoured all professions, spotlighting the critical contributions of conservancy workers who maintain our city’s cleanliness and beauty, no matter the circumstances – weather or pandemic.
The then Commissioner of Greater Chennai Corporation, Dr. J. Radhakrishnan, IAS, stated that during November rains in Chennai, significant quantities of cloth waste and footwear are washed ashore during low tide. This phenomenon is a consequence of year-long illegal waste dumping into water bodies. During heavy rains, the accumulated waste is carried to the ocean near the Theosophical Society.
Mr. Ignacio Albert Gleiser, MD, Urbaser stated that the event is the first seed sown for a clean and environmentally friendly Chennai, keeping in mind the future generations.
Mr. Mahmood Sait, CEO of Urbaser Sumeet encouraged citizens to donate pre-loved clothes or dispose of them separately without mixing with other waste, promote widespread recycling, and minimize the amount of fabric waste that reaches our landfills.
Prof. Dr. Anitha Mabel Manohar, Director of the National Institute of Fashion Technology expressed pride in showcasing the conservancy staff as models and emphasized the dignity of their labour.
