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OU Yu Hsuan

Tainan University of Technology

My name is OU YU, Hsuan (Jerry), a sophomore fashion design student from Taiwan. I enjoy working with different styles and believe design is a powerful way to express identity. In this competition, I am focusing on sustainable fashion. I see sustainability as a responsibility, not just a trend. My design explores how to use recycled materials and timeless aesthetics to reduce waste and create lasting value. I believe fashion can be both creative and conscious. Through this project, I want to show that sustainability can still be stylish, personal, and forward-thinking.

SOLE REBORN

Category: Design*

Competitions: Taiwan Region

This work is centered on the concept of sustainability and creative reuse. By deconstructing recycled sneakers and integrating unconventional materials such as industrial water pipes, the design transforms waste into wearable fashion. The piece explores the idea of “waste rebirth,” turning everyday discarded items into something functional and aesthetically expressive. Through careful reconstruction of shoes from various brands and sizes, the design reimagines the meaning of value in both materials and fashion. Every stitch, sole, and eyelet carries traces of its previous life, creating a dialogue between the old and the new. The use of leather elements and recycled footwear merges durability with conceptual strength, emphasizing both environmental awareness and craftsmanship. The visual structure of the piece intentionally challenges the boundaries of conventional fashion silhouettes. It invites viewers to question what defines a garment, and how far fashion can go in terms of transformation and narrative. In an era where fast fashion dominates, this work seeks to slow down the process and reintroduce meaning into what we wear. It’s not just a garment—it’s a story, a protest, and a proposal. By combining fragmented materials into a cohesive form, the piece embodies resilience, innovation, and a refusal to waste. It ultimately stands as a statement: that fashion, at its best, is not only about looking forward, but also about reimagining what we leave behind.

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