One of the standout sessions was delivered by Lasalle fashion lecturer Dino Augusto, who introduced the concept of Sarah Lazarovic's Buyerarchy of Needs. Inspired by Maslow's hierarchy, the Buyerarchy of Needs is a pyramid that challenges consumer habits and urges us to prioritise using what we already have before buying something new. At the base of the pyramid is 'use what you have', followed by steps such as borrowing, swapping and saving, with 'make' and 'buy' at the top. Dino passionately explained how the current fast-fashion model encourages over-consumption, and how the Buyerarchy provides a practical framework for slowing down and making thoughtful decisions. This idea resonated with many participants, myself included, as it reminded us that sustainability does not start with what we buy, but how we value and use what we already have.

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Jessica Laihad, Dino Augusto, Vania Herlambang, Annisa Fauziah

Dickie Sulistya, Rembulan Kania Manias, Andi Faradila Iskandar, Ningsihwulan

The festival also featured workshops that brought sustainability to life through creativity. In Kunang Jewelry’s Upcycled Jewelry workshop, participants transformed clothing and plastic waste into unique, eco-friendly accessories.

Anfi Fashion and Junior hosted a Styling Class, teaching attendees how to elevate their personal style while embracing sustainable fashion principles. 

API Institute’s eco-printing workshop was a favorite among nature lovers, offering techniques to create stunning fabric designs using upcycled materials. 

Meanwhile, Bobbinhood introduced an eco-friendly approach to screen printing, helping participants breathe new life into their old clothes and proving that fashion can indeed be slowed down and reimagined.

A key highlight of the event was the Sustainable Fashion Show, organized by stylist Junior and Nadila. The runway was filled with stunning creations made from upcycled, repurposed, and eco-friendly materials, demonstrating that sustainable fashion can be both stylish and responsible. Junior and Nadila’s curated collections showcased how fashion can be reinvented through creativity and conscious choices.

As part of the décor team from The Saturday Corner, I was privileged to contribute to the festival’s creative atmosphere. Staying true to the event's mission, we designed the venue using 95% repurposed fabric waste. From vibrant fabric installations to functional decorations, every element was carefully curated to showcase the potential of upcycling. Being involved in this project was deeply fulfilling, as it allowed us to transform discarded materials into something beautiful, functional, and meaningful. It also underscored the idea that sustainability isn’t just a concept, it’s a practice that can be applied to everything, even event design.

The Clothes Swap Party was another festival highlight, providing a fun and practical way for attendees to refresh their wardrobes without contributing to the fashion industry's waste problem. Over 1,300 clothing items were collected, and 358 of them found new homes during the swap. Watching people light up as they found “new-to-them” treasures was inspiring and emphasized the joy and value of reusing and sharing.

The festival’s impact extended far beyond the activities of the day. With more than 950 participants joining the movement, the event generated less than 30kg of waste, a remarkable achievement for an event of this scale. It was proof that when creativity, community, and purpose come together, real change is possible.

For me, the Sustainable Fashion Fest wasn’t just an event, it was a call to action. The inspiring talks, hands-on workshops, and collaborative efforts made me rethink my own habits and reminded me of the power of collective effort. Whether it’s choosing to repair instead of replace, swapping instead of buying, or simply appreciating what we already own, every small step contributes to a bigger, more sustainable picture.

This festival marked an important milestone in advocating for a conscious approach to fashion. It wasn’t about perfection but progress, encouraging everyone to start where they are and do what they can. If you’re curious about sustainable fashion or looking for ways to make an impact, events like the Sustainable Fashion Fest are the perfect place to start. Let’s continue to rethink, repurpose, and reinvent together.

A special note of appreciation goes to TRI CYCLE’s photography team, led by Mas Sony, who captured every moment with care and precision.