Recycled waste takes centre stage at Bujumbura fashion show

A fashion show in northern Bujumbura has highlighted the creative potential of recycled materials while showcasing the work of local young designers.

Known as the “Kamenge Drop”, the event presented outfits made from materials including plastic waste and discarded mosquito nets. The creations were developed during a ten-day training programme held as part of Green Diplomacy Week.

Designer and artist Manuela Minka coached twelve young designers during the programme, which focused on turning discarded materials into new and visually appealing items. Their work was presented at the Kamenge Youth Centre.

Reimagining discarded materials

Minka said the initiative encouraged participants to reconsider the value of objects that are often treated as waste.

“Recycling allows us to see that if we look at a bottle or waste differently, we can transform it. Above all, we must take care of our mother, the Earth,” she said.

The programme also connected recycling with possible economic opportunities. Arsène Irakoze said discarded materials could be converted into products that generate income.

“If you make something out of these materials, or turn them into different objects, you can earn money from them,” Irakoze said.

Inspiring young audiences

The Kamenge Drop was intended to celebrate the talents of local youths and demonstrate practical ways of reducing waste and environmental pollution.

Young people in the audience were inspired by the designs and by the possibility of creating attractive items from materials that would otherwise be discarded. Some audience members could also imagine pursuing careers in fashion.

Recycling remains not widely developed in Burundi despite a number of initiatives. Against that background, the programme used fashion to draw attention to reuse, creativity and the potential value of waste.

The fashion show served as the programme’s main presentation, allowing the young designers to display the results of their training. The Kamenge Drop, as imagined by Minka, appears to have met its aim of promoting local talent and new ways of viewing recycled materials.