Fashion’s role in combating textile waste

Six standout designers turned discarded textiles into dazzling children’s wear at Retashow 2025: QC’s Catwalk to Sustainability, Quezon City’s flagship sustainable fashion competition, held recently at Gateway Mall in Araneta City, Cubao.

Now in its second year, Retashow challenges both aspiring and professional designers to reimagine waste as wearable art, showcasing the transformative power of creativity, innovation, and environmental advocacy. This year, the spotlight was on kidswear, pushing participants to craft eco-friendly, functional, and fashionable outfits for children using upcycled materials.

From just one grand winner in 2024, this year’s edition recognized six designers for their remarkable vision and craftsmanship. Each winner took home a P50,000 cash prize after impressing the judges with their bold concepts, inventive use of recycled fabrics, and commitment to sustainable design.

The Retashow 2025 winners are Nard Patrick Redoble from the barangay of Commonwealth, Nichole Samson from the barangay of Apolonio Samson, Katherine Añonuevo from the barangay of Sikatuna, Ma. Joy Pauline Castillano from the barangay of Talipapa, Hazel Roldan from the barangay of Batasan Hills, and Neil Bryan Capistrano from the barangay of Bagong Pag-asa.

“Ang pagbabago ay pwedeng magsimula sa isang ideya, sa isang sinulid, sa isang retaso (Change can begin with an idea, with a single thread, with a scrap of fabric). Let this runway be a symbol of possibility. That the future is not something we predict, it’s something we create,” said Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, lauding the creativity and advocacy embodied by the finalists.

Entries were evaluated based on design originality, sustainability and innovation, and market potential by an esteemed panel of judges composed of Camille Rose Albarracin, founder of Everything Green; Fred Leysa, associate manager at Repamana; and Rhodel Sazon, marketing services and advertising and promotions manager at Araneta City.

Ahead of the grand show, 24 finalists participated in intensive seminars and workshops on sustainable design techniques led by industry experts Dars Juson of Repamana, Chris Roxas of Brave Story, and Ally Gutierrez of Repamana. These sessions honed their skills in breathing new life into textile waste.

Retashow is a key initiative under Quezon City’s broader sustainability agenda, aiming to reduce textile waste, champion circular fashion, and foster community-driven environmental action. The event is in partnership with the Quezon City Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Department.