The fashion industry plays a big role in contributing towards climate change and environmental destruction. Although sustainable fashion isn’t a new idea, Maddi Hooper’s graduate collection What a Waste offers a fresh, coIourfuI and eye-catching approach. Every part of the design process has been meticulously thought through to achieve the most sustainable outcome – vegan and either recycle-able, recycled or biodegradable. Fabrics were sourced only from companies which clearly show how their fibres are made with fair employment conditions and plastic-based materials are recyclable PU rather than PVC, vegan and cruelty free Piñatex is used instead of leather and taffetas with cotton compositions bring out a more textiles-based look. Threads are recycled and other finishings are eco-friendly. Hooper’s signature bright colours were achieved by hand-dying at low temperatures (controlling the amount of water used). She also experimented with making transparent plastic fabrics with starch that dissolved with water.

Hooper is passionate about the ways we can help repair our environment. She gained a particular interest in this through her placement year at the luxury womenswear brand Mother Of Pearl in London where she gained knowledge the technologies and techniques of green fashion.