Trashion is not a new word but a portmanteau or a blend of two words: trash and fashion. This is the term used for any art, fashion, clothing, jewelry, bags and objects that have been created from discarded, used, unwanted, surplus, thrown-out or rejected items or components. It encompasses home décor, ornaments, and even garments. It may be avant-garde buy it is definitely vogue which is what they really are designed for - to let people know that even though these items were made from recycled and unwanted items it does not mean that they lack style or would not look as beautiful as a brand-new item. In fact, it shows the creativity and ingenuity of the designers for having created something really imaginative from trash.

Samples of bags - Trashy Bags - from discarded sachets being made by Ghanians with the help of an Accra-based NGO.

These days, online clothing stores pretty much sell a lot of garments made from different fabrics such as cotton, polyester, wool, nylon and many other natural and synthetic fabric materials. There are specialty online clothing stores that carry 100 percent organic apparel that is now gaining grounds for the eco-friendly and the environmentalists or those who believe in sustainable fashion. Not so far from sustainable fashion is trashion which has managed to blend fashion, art, sustainability and activism.

This dress is made from recycled aluminium soda cans.   

What we really don’t know is that we have been doing this for years. Recycling is a part of trashion but we just got so used to giving away some of the things we never used and did not imagine something else could be done with it. Initially trashion was art-couture costume linked only to contests or fashion shows showcasing the creativity and resourcefulness of a designer. As eco-fashion, recycling and sustainable fashion became more prevalent, trashion soon became wearable. Online clothing stores suddenly came up with more eco-friendly apparel that transcended fashion to social responsibility. And trashion is definitely a form or recycled fashion that would eventually help improve sustainable fashion.

Other garments worn by the students were made from cardboard, plastic bags, packing tape, bubble wrap, car tyros, and plastic bottles

Some are very innovative while some are awe-inspiring because you never really thought one could be made out of it. I guess it really takes a lot of imagination, creativity, ingenuity and a lot of artistry in you to be able to see something beautiful from something so ordinary like buttons, zippers and other damaged or otherwise discarded pieces of clothing like old suits and coats. Amazingly, some designers can create wearable jewelry pieces from non-clothing recycled items that others call trash that may have been on its way to a dumpsite or landfill such as bottle caps, old keyboard pieces, microchips, discarded containers and many more. Their jewelry pieces become more visually appealing and interesting and sometimes make you wonder it came to be.

End key necklace, Sprite bottle cap necklace and Coca Cola bottle cap bracelet

Old windows, doors and lamps are just some of the old and discarded items that can be used to create a wide variety of furniture. No need to but new and expensive when you can turn an old one into something that is uniquely yours. Remember that since you were the one with the original idea it would ensure that you will be the only one with that kind of furniture. With imagination, creativity and artistry another person’s garbage can be made useful, old and battered furniture could be given a new lease in life.

Handbag and totes made from discarded and old men's suits. Recycled post consumer beer bottle ruffled bowl.

There are now so many bloggers who have turned trashion into a DIY or crafts blogs where they can showcase some of their products and turn it even into business by featuring it in the different marketplaces such as etsy.com. Here are some of the examples of trashion garments, jewelry, bags and even home goods that are appealing because of its exclusive flavor that’s intrinsically unique and quirky.

Earrings from Coca Cola cans, Sprite bottle caps, and Noxzema bottle.

Microchip cufflinks, vintage bottle ring, and Scrabble key chain.

Image Sources: Etsy.com, Global Envision and AlexHofford.com