Avant-Garde Sustainability: SISC Students Turn Upcycled Waste into Haute Couture
PHNOM PENH, February 13, 2026 — The runway at Southbridge International School Cambodia (SISC) became a platform for innovation this week as students presented their STEAM Fashion Design collection. Far from traditional sewing projects, these students acted as engineers and material scientists, transforming discarded denim, plastic, and paper into runway-ready masterpieces.
The competition challenged students to look at “trash” through a mathematical and structural lens, proving that the future of the fashion industry lies at the intersection of creativity and sustainability.
The Science Behind the Style
To create these “wearable art” pieces, students had to navigate a rigorous STEAM-based design process:
- Material Analysis (Science): Understanding the durability and flexibility of non-traditional materials like plastics and textile scraps.
- Structural Engineering: Solving the problem of how to make paper or plastic maintain a “couture” shape while being worn and moved in.
- Innovative Construction (Technology & Math): Calculating measurements and using advanced bonding techniques to ensure structural integrity without standard textiles.
A Panel of Expertise
The competition was elevated by a distinguished panel of judges, including Ms. Prasath Davin, Ms. Sarah Marcni, Ms. Tonomi Kozawa, Ms. Julia Russell, and Mr. Ronald Rae Yeban. Their professional evaluation provided students with real-world feedback on both their technical skills and the “extraordinary fashion statements” they produced.
By documenting their journey from concept to creation, students demonstrated the perseverance and innovative thinking that SISC cultivates, preparing them for a world where sustainable solutions are in high demand.