Russian fashion designer creates costumes from trash

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01:27

One man's trash is another man's treasure. This bit of wisdom has a firm believer in the fashion world. Artur Brazhe, an eco-designer from the western Russian city of Kursk, is getting noticed for converting junk into exceptional attire.

Artur Brazhe has been creating clothes and costumes out of recyclable materials - a practice known as 'upcycling' - for years, preferring those that are particularly harmful to nature, like plastic bottles and bags, aluminum cans and construction waste.

Once in a while, he visits junkyards and dumps near his home, not only for inspiration but also to collect things and materials and give them a second life.

"If a fabric manages to endure several years of usage in a greenhouse and even hail can barely pierce through it, I know that this is definitely right for me," said eco-fashion designer Artur Brazhe.

Designer Artur Brazhe shows some of his design sketches. /Reuters Photo

"I think everything is thought through to the last detail. It is really comfortable," model Kristina Konova said. "One cannot really say at first glance that it's made out of recyclables. One has to take a closer look and pay special attention."

Although he previously worked alone, Brazhe no longer has to collect all his materials by himself, as he receives donations from supporters.

The designer and his creations have won several Russian fashion contests, including "Russian Silhouette," a prestigious award for new designers, for his collection of costumes made of newspapers.

Russia's Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment stated in a 2016 report that only two to three percent of domestic waste is properly recycled.