Who would have thought fashion would be a fit for a business sustainability expo?

It’s actually perfect.

FASHFEST is hitting the stage at the free Actsmart Business Sustainability Expo on 13 September with local fashion designer Bronwynne Jones, of label Thunder Thighs, and eco-stylist Faye De Lanty, from Salvos, to present an eco-chic fashion segment of recycled, reused and reimagined garments.

At the Expo, Bronwynne will show many ways to wear her Infinities scarves, which she creates by sewing together four men’s silk ties she uncovers trawling through op shops.

‘Each is unique and they’re fabulous because men’s ties can have amazing colours and patterns which inspire each Infinite,’ says the designer. Bronwynne, who works out of her studio at M16 Gallery, will also demonstrate other garments she has created from pre-loved ties and other op shop finds, including an elegant skirt and a dress made entirely from tie waste.

Salvos will reimagine and upcycle individual pieces into new garments, demonstrating eco luxe with ease. They’ll also host a short fashion show, including two green looks—in colour and kind to the environment—they put on the catwalk at their inaugural appearance at FASHFEST last year.

‘Fashion is the second most toxic industry in the world,’ says Faye. ‘I don’t love what it does to our planet and so decided to spend my life reusing and reducing our fashion footprint. Second hand never has to mean second best.’

Thunder Thighs also hit the FASHFEST catwalk for the first time in 2017. Bronwynne showcased a new collection but teased the audience by accessorising garments with a steampunk bent, using items sourced from op-shops to create hats and jewellery. Bronwynne also makes custom-made bespoke bustle jackets, designed with second-hand garments and waste fabric from her studio floor.

‘It’s much easier than you think to get imaginative with individual pieces,’ says Bronwynne. ‘People shouldn’t shy away from giving it a go.’

Faye works with Salvos to promote the value (to people’s hip pockets and the planet) of op shopping. ‘I regularly find big brand names and some quality and interesting vintage pieces,’ says Faye. ‘It’s the best way to shop. I’m truly obsessed.’

At the Actsmart Business Sustainability Expo, Salvos will showcase other items made from pre-loved garments, including lamp shades, a seat and a stool.

‘This is FASHFEST’s second year at the Expo,’ says co-founder Andrea Hutchinson. ‘While not all designers in the fashion industry practice sustainability, we’ve always showcased some who do, either through upcycling pre-loved garments or by practising sustainable design.’

The Actsmart Business Sustainability Expo is Canberra’s largest of its kind. The 2018 OzHarvest Celebrity Chef Cook-off will see Darren Perryman from Pialligo Estate take on David Young from Temporada to see who can make the most delish dish with surplus food rescued from cafes and restaurants.

Thirty-seven exhibitors will be at the Expo to talk all things sustainable, including the latest technologies in waste, water and energy with experts.

The free Actsmart Business Sustainability Expo runs from 10am to 5pm, Thursday 13 September, at Southern Cross Club, Woden.

What you need to know:

FASHFEST, Thunder Thighs and Salvos event        10.00am to 10.45am

OzHarvest celebrity cookoff                                        2.30pm to 3.15pm