Condom dress put on display

1:00pm Friday 18th July 2008

A DRESS made out of crisp packets and condoms by a young designer is among the alternative garments on display at County Hall in Trowbridge.

Fashion students from Wiltshire College Trowbridge were tasked with finding a new use for reusable bags being sold by Wiltshire County Council.

The bags, which have been given a makeover, provided the inspiration for 100 per cent recycled clothing. Using the bags, as well as other recycled materials, the 16 first year students created eye-catching outfits as part of their course.

The clothes have all been worn on the catwalk as part of a fashion show, and are now on display. Ashlee Heathcote Gurke, 17, was behind the dress made from chocolate wrappers, empty crisp bags and condom packets. "I got the condoms from the family planning clinic," Ashlee said.

"I did have to lie a bit to get them though."

Charlie Hartshorn, 18, said the fashion show was fun, but also challenging. "It was so stressful. None of us had done a fashion show before," she said.

"The quick costume changes were tough." Her jacket, made from calico and newspaper, originally started as a dress but the design was changed to a waistcoat. A strapless dress, made from sweet wrappers and neon netting, was created by 16 year old Christina Hallet Young, who hopes to continue studying fashion at university.

Louise Allberry, 17, said fashion was something she has always been interested in.

"I've wanted to do textiles for years," she said. Her hat was made from the reusable bag and sequined with nuts and bolts.

Reusable shopping bags are on sale at Wiltshire libraries priced at £1.25 each.

Theatre, Art & Cinema