ECO Fashion Week Australia (EFWA), in collaboration with the Ellenbrook Youth Centre, has been running a series of youth textile art technique classes since March designed to inspire and educate local youth about sustainability and creative fashion.

For the past six months, under the guidance of EFWA’s founder and creative director Zuhal Kuvan-Mills and volunteer assistant Hayley Beardman, young participants have been learning to transform old garments into fashion-forward pieces that reflect eco-conscious principles.

The classes focus on teaching students how to upcycle old t-shirts and jeans into new, stylish creations, offering hands-on experience in textile art techniques.

Alongside learning practical skills, participants have also gained valuable insights into the environmental impact of fashion, including where garments go once discarded and how to repurpose them to reduce waste.

Ms Kuvan-Mills, who is both the lead facilitator and art teacher for the classes, has worked closely with the youth at Ellenbrook Youth Centre to help them build a collection of sustainable fashion pieces.

The collection, created by young designers aged 12 and above, will be showcased on November 18 at EFWA's Community Sustainable Fashion Showcase at the Ellenbrook Art Gallery.

The free event will serve as a platform to highlight the talent of the youth while promoting eco-friendly fashion.

The youth textile art classes are fully sponsored by EFWA and offered at no cost to participants, reinforcing EFWA’s mission to educate and involve diverse communities in the movement toward a more sustainable future.

The organisation’s outreach includes a wide range of community engagement, from youth programs to initiatives in aged care, ensuring that sustainability is accessible to all.

To view the upcycled pieces, visit this website.