Pupil’s eco-friendly dress goes overseas
AN eco-friendly dress designed by a Redhill School was chosen by Miss Earth South Africa to wear in Manila, South East Asia.
Grade 10 pupil Suzanne Bell was thrilled to hear the news that her dress made out of old Archie comic books would be worn by Miss Earth South Africa, Ashanti Mbanga. Bell had no idea that taking part in the school’s fashion show would lead to Mbanga choosing to wear her dress.
“It was so crazy. I got so many messages from people saying that they saw my name in the paper,” said Bell. This came after the publication of the article, Miss Earth SA takes on the world, week ending 15 November. Unfortunately Bell was unable to attend Ashanti’s send off at the Southern Sun Hyde Park because she was writing an exam.
“I was so sad that I could not go to her farewell,” she said. “I really wanted to be there.” Nonetheless, Bell’s teacher, Adrienne Rogers, was at the farewell to represent Bell.
“I will never forget the day when Mrs Rogers came to me to tell me that Miss Earth wanted to take my dress overseas,” said Bell. “I was like ‘No way’. Mrs Rogers was so emotional and told me how proud she was. It is an honour for me to have Miss Earth wear my dress. I would have never expected that.”
Bell said her mom taught her how to sow. “My mom thinks it’s a very important life lesson to learn how to sow, so I guess I kind of have my mom to thank,” she said. “The opportunity that the school has given me is really great. I do not have art or design as a subject. I have more of your academic subjects. To get an opportunity like this and to explore my creative side was really awesome and to get the results I got was even better.”
Bell is not sure what she wants to do after school. “Being a designer is definitely an option. But I might go more on the financial side or medicine. I am keeping my options open.”
