Where fashion meets sustainability, the Marine Debris Trashion
Show – Beach Couture: A Haute Mess returned to Sydney on Saturday, March 15, captivating audiences at Darling Harbour’s Palm Grove. Sponsored by Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour, this one-of-a-kind runway spectacle transformed ocean waste into breathtaking high-fashion statements, bringing art and activism together to highlight the urgent need to tackle plastic pollution.
Sydney’s shores took centre stage at the Trashion Show, where discarded plastics, fishing nets, and marine debris were transformed into striking couture creations. With two intimate showings at 3:00 PM and 4:30 PM, over 200 spectators gathered to witness the breathtaking fusion of fashion and sustainability.
Curated by renowned Sydney-based “artivist” Marina DeBris, the show pushed creative boundaries with bold, thought-provoking designs. A standout moment was the jaw-dropping
finale piece, “Pandemania” , an awe-inspiring gown crafted entirely from discarded face masks
– leaving the crowd in awe of the beauty that can emerge from repurposed waste. Whispers of
“How good!” rippled through the crowd as awe-struck spectators watched the models command the Darling Harbour runway. Each garment carried a powerful message, urging people to rethink their consumption habits and take action for a more sustainable future.
Hosting both shows was Amanda Speers, representative of Tomra Cleanaway, who set the stage for Marina DeBris’ visionary creations. Special acknowledgements were made by Anita
Kolni and Mandy Dwyer, Director of Marketing and Communications at Sofitel Darling Harbour, both of whom shared their passion for sustainability with the Darling Harbour audience.
Festival founder Anita Kolni reflected on the impact of the show, stating:
“Marina’s artworks have always been a huge inspiration to me, which is why I’m so passionate about supporting her and ensuring Ocean Lovers Festival remains a platform for her powerful creations to reach the masses. The energy from the Darling Harbour crowd was electric—they completely soaked up the inspiration, the message, and the impact. This is exactly why the
Ocean Lovers Festival exists – to be the bridge between creativity and ocean conservation.”
Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour General Manager, Mr Greg Brady, added:
“It was a pleasure to be part of this event and to support the innovation and education of this key issue.”
Beach Couture – A Haute Mess was an unforgettable fusion of art, activism, and innovation that proved that waste isn’t the end of the story – but a catalyst for change. The Trashion Show is a major highlight of this year’s Ocean Lovers Festival, which continues to bring together art, science, and community action in support of ocean conservation.
As part of Sofitel Darling Harbour’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, a curated selection of Marina DeBris’ most thought-provoking designs will be showcased in the hotel’s entrance, allowing guests and visitors to experience the intersection of fashion and environmental activism beyond the runway – now until March 31.
