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Denim project's proceeds to go to Ghaf tree foundation

Local design house ZinZin, launches the eco-friendly cause during its participation at Dubai Shopping Festival’s first-ever sustainable Market OTB.

Ever heard of the saying ‘fashion feeds forestation’? No. Then you’re not alone as it’s merely just a fabrication, but some of Dubai’s more creative dwellers are adding truth to the myth.

During a dash for scrap denim in Downtown Dubai on Tuesday, the cotton twill textile appeared like gold dust as several fashion designers fought to get their hands on the best pickings.

Less a free giveaway, and more an environment-conscious initiative, rags are to become riches over the next few weeks, during a sustainable fashion project which will help plant more of the drought-tolerant, evergreen Ghaf trees in the region.

Adding to its eco-forward philosophy, local design house ZinZin - pronounced zaza - launched the eco-friendly cause during its participation at Dubai Shopping Festival’s (DSF) first-ever sustainable Market OTB (Outside The Box).

Adamant to buck the usual denim trend, ZinZin owner Ingrid, dressed in a vintage green and black ensemble, told Khaleej Times she’s looking for something “off-the-wall” and “eye-catching”.

“Creativity has no bounds. These designers need to put a twist on your typical piece of denim,” she said, despite feeling a little underwhelmed at the turnout on the first day.

“If that was me, I would jump at this chance. I’d go wild. I don’t know why more people haven’t turned up.”

The participating designers are allowed to pick one piece of denim from the tired looking collection and have until February 13 to come up with a quirky design, which is to be showcased at ZinZin’s only branch in Dubai.

But in true ZinZin style, there’s a slight twist, with only recyclable materials allowed in the mix.

One designer on the day who rubbished any notion of creating your typical, mass-produced style garment, has promised to come up with a unique creation.

Already a seasoned designer in Dubai, Philippines-born Garimon Roferos, sporting a black and silver painted little finger, says he wants his design to emulate that of a painting.

“I’m making a haute couture design, but I want to use hard recyclable materials, not just textiles. It’ll be a modern twist on the classic, with bottle tops thrown in,” he laughs.

All designs will go on display in Mercato Mall on February 13 and will be exhibited for one week, with a starting price of Dh500, with all proceeds donated to the ‘Give a Ghaf’ foundation.

kelly@khaleejtimes.com

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