Filipino garbage queen: Designer turns trash into gowns

One person's trash can be another person's couture.

An event planner in the Philippines who started designing as a hobby four years ago is transforming discarded trash into gowns and costumes.

These are the creations of Filipino designer Ricia Juanpaolo.

John Paul Halili, who goes by the name of Ricia Juanpaolo, uses empty sachets from shampoo, detergent and fabric conditioners as well as bottle tops to make colorful creations that are rented to customers and displayed at a local school.

Ricia recycles trash - from bottle caps to shampoo or coffee packets and turns them into colorful gowns.

"The materials I use are trash that can no longer be used or sold," said the 35-year-old designer.

Ricia has no formal training in sewing or design, but is able to create intricate patterns.

She said it takes weeks to collect and clean the trash, then turn it into a costume.

"So, I collect them all once a month, and then I clean and wash them individually, I wipe them one by one, then I choose pieces that if brought together can create a nice pattern," informed the designer.

Ricia, who was once homeless, says she was inspired to turn trash into fashion after seeing a woman wear a garbage bag as a dress.

Now, she's hoping her work can inspire others to be more creative with recycling.

"There are a lot of people who cannot believe that you can do other things from the garbage I collect. I persevere because if I don't give up, I can let them see the possibilities."

Ricia's works are for rent, from about 7 to 47 US dollars per piece.

She often displays them at a local school, and asks willing family members and friends to model her designs.

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