Recycled materials key to Fashfest designer Hanny Dewar's success

"Buying was out of the question so I decided to make something," she said.

"The ladies all got a handbag and the men all got something personalised. I made everything out of bits and pieces."

This inspired her to create her label Hanny-D Creations and she was one of the seven designers to display their designs on the runway on the third night of Fashfest.

"First of all, it was from a needs basis, but then later I became really passionate about the amount of waste in the garment industry, whether it's high-end fashion or fast fashion, which is ruining so many people's lives," she said.

"That's why I'm so passionate about it."

The result is a collection exploding with colour – a contrast between bold and classic designs with a modern twist.

Dewar also loves retro and vintage looks, and is inspired by the '70s, which is the period in which she grew up.

Her runway show featured 10 one-off outfits made from a combination of new and recycled materials, and suited to younger and older women.

"Whilst I may not have a huge range, people will never find it anywhere else," Dewar said. "They will never get a second piece exactly the same.

"The types of garments I make are always dictated by the quality of the fabric, the type of fabric that it is and the quantity of the fabric. It's a very interesting challenge."

Dewar is always looking for different materials to recycle, even if she does not have a specific piece in mind.

"I go to a lot of op shops and charity shops, but I've also been donated quite a few bits and pieces, especially from elderly people who were downsizing," she said.

"I now have four rooms of collected fabric. Half of my house is full of bits and pieces."

Friday night's event also featured collections by Audrey Blue, Character, Pure Pod, Sovata, Tuffys & Tuffetts and Zilpah Tart.