From Streets to Catwalk: Garbage Collectors Shine in Chennai Fashion Show

Tell My Story

It was a pleasant surprise for visitors to Chennai’s Phoenix Market City as around 30 garbage collectors walked the ramp as stunning models in a first of its kind fashion show themed “Shine Beyond Streets”.

Organised by Urbaser the city’s private agency into garbage clearance that employs 11000 workers and Chennai Corporation, the idea is to promote sustainable fashion, besides the concept of reduce, reuse and recycle. Fabric wastes account for a significant part are of the 6300 tonnes garbage the city generates every day.

Students and faculty from Chennai’s National Institute of Fashion Technology, NIFT designed their stunning outfits, stylising their regular uniform material and trained them in ramp walk and other elements as well. They called the men and women collecting wastes as “Superheroes” as these warriors protect the city from public health nightmare.

Govindammal, a worker is excited. “Normally people look down upon and speak I’ll of us. I want to see if their outlook will change after this fashion parade. I loved this experience”.

Another segment on the ramp showcased the divinity among the workers, adorning the men and women with silk and gold jewellery. Naturals Beauty Salon added a touch of class with their professional make up.

There was a larger purpose as well, going beyond fashion or segregation at source – the aim was also to get Chennaiites respect these unsung heroes and heroines and treat them with dignity. Dr J Radhakrishnan, Greater Chennai’s Commissioner said “They are the ones who prevent public health diseases. We don’t recognise the kind of work they do. Today we have really recognised the faceless people and given them a face and a stage and made them feel they do such a honourable service”.

Anitha Mabel Manohar, Director, NIFT added “Somehow in India we don’t have respect for that kind of a job. Today after this show you would understand that they would be proud to carry on the legacy for several generations”.

For once these men and women who keep Chennai clean felt like stars.

Next time you see them at work near your home on the road, smile, shake hands, speak to them, give them gifts, tell them how much you value and respect their work.

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