FROM TRASH TO TRIUMPH: UMPSA TEAM WINS HE ELCA 2024 TRASHION SHOW

9 November 2024 - Creativity, sustainability, and cultural pride took center stage as a team from Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) emerged victorious in the highly anticipated Trashion Show competition at the Higher Education English Language Carnival (HE ELCa) 2024.

Under the guidance of their trainer, Ms. Alia Najaa, the talented team—comprising Nuratila Natasha binti Salleh, Nur Khaleedah binti Kamarul Ariffin, Nurhanis Mirza binti Ahmad Nariman, Nur Ainah Nabilah binti Sazali, and Anisa Syafiqah binti A. Majid—showcased their skills and imagination by crafting futuristic interpretations of traditional Malaysian attire using recyclable materials.

Themed Malaysian Heritage Meets Futuristic Flair, the Trashion Show challenged participants to blend cultural elements with eco-conscious innovation. The UMPSA team’s winning collection captivated the audience and judges with its vibrant designs, intricate craftsmanship, and compelling narrative accompanying each outfit.

The competition aimed to raise awareness about environmental issues, particularly waste management and recycling, while promoting sustainable fashion practices. The UMPSA team not only emphasised the importance of upcycling materials but also celebrated Malaysia’s cultural diversity and traditions in a modern, environmentally conscious way.

The UMPSA team, affectionately known as The Natural Beauties, consisted of five talented and charming ladies. They were:

• Nuratila Natasha Binti Salleh from the Faculty of Industrial Sciences and Technology, who served as the narrator.
• Nur Khaleedah Binti Kamarul Ariffin and Nurhanis Mirza Binti Ahmad Nariman, the creative designers, representing the Faculty of Civil Engineering Technology and the Faculty of Industrial Management, respectively.
• Nur Ainah Nabilah Binti Sazali and Anisa Syafiqah Binti A. Majid from the Faculty of Industrial Management, who took the spotlight as Model 1 and Model 2.

This diverse and dedicated team exemplified unity and creativity, bringing their shared vision to life with grace and innovation. Their creations, presented entirely from recycled and upcycled materials, demonstrated how art can be both beautiful and meaningful.

In their first design, the team showcased an appreciation for Malay roots with a ballgown made from trash bags interwoven with recycled batik sarongs. The second design featured a mermaid-cut dress, also crafted from trash bags, paired with a long, batik-patterned train. Completing the look was a crown fashioned from discarded plastic spoons, shaped into flowers—proving that discarded items can be transformed into stunning art. The incorporation of batik elements in the designs reflected their deep sense of identity and pride in Malay heritage.

To quote the narrator, Ms. Nuratila Natasha:
“Not just style, but every step these models take today carries an important message. This Trashion Show reminds us all that everyday waste can be given a second chance—from trash to the catwalk, everything is possible!”

“Our goal was to reimagine how discarded materials can be transformed into stylish and meaningful creations while also telling a story about sustainability and heritage,” shared Ms. Alia Najaa, reflecting on the team’s dedication and hard work.

This victory marks a proud moment for UMPSA, showcasing the university’s commitment to fostering creativity, innovation, and environmental awareness among its students. The team’s success inspires others to think outside the box and contribute toward a sustainable future.

Written by:

Noraisah Nurul Fatwa binti Mohd Razali (UMPSA Team Manager)

Alia Najaa Md Nor (Trashion Show Trainer)