Eco Elegance event aims to stitch sustainability into style

Models in vibrant batik gowns made fashion statements in support of sustainability as they hit the runway in the Sierra Leone capital Freetown on Saturday, marking a bold attempt to turn the production of eye-turning dresswear from a major polluter to a weapon against climate change.

The Eco Elegance fashion show, inspired by Miss World Sierra Leone 2024, showcased designs made entirely from eco-friendly materials, proving that style doesn't have to cost the Earth.

The event celebrates local talent while encouraging a shift away from fast fashion towards more mindful, ethical choices. Some of the initiative's most vocal proponents are the contestants themselves.

"This is about reinventing things. This is about putting things together. This is about our environment. It means so much more, and I want people to know that," said Rosaline Koroma, Miss Freetown second runner-up.

"As a model, I am very passionate about the environment, and this is why I'm here till the end. And I'm also looking forward to more of these shows in Sierra Leone," said Joseph Sesay, a model at Shades Of Ben.Hin.Mas, a local fashion company.

According to the United Nations, fashion is one of the world's largest polluters, accounting for about 10 percent of global carbon emissions, second only to the crude oil industry. Recycling, upcycling, and reusing are seen by many as sustainable solutions for a more environmentally responsible future.

Behind the scenes, local designers like Kadiatu Kamara, CEO of luxury brand Vivid Emporium, are pushing sustainable fashion forward with expertise in batik -- a traditional dying technique that uses wax resist -- as well as other wearable art styles.

"Fashion and tourism and just eco-elegance, always for me, tie in together very well. I'm wearing a batik piece that is obviously designed by Vivid Emporium, and it's a sustainable fashion. We are working with local batik and tie dye makers here to create these amazing prints," she said.

Organizers said the event directly challenges fast fashion's environmental toll through upcycled fabrics and traditional West African dye techniques.

Daisy Mujeh Abdulai, CEO of Eco Elegance and Miss World Sierra Leone 2024, said that she sees fashion as an overlooked weapon in the climate fight when sharing her inspiration for the show.

"I believe when people talk about sustainability, it doesn't come to their mind that fashion is included in that, and we are one big people who can change the narrative. We who are the models, who are pageant queens, I believe if we push forward making the awareness of what we wear and what we produce, how the designs are made to be sustainable, then I think we can contribute to the fight against climate change and of course the motive of saving our planet," Abdulai said.

Eco Elegance event aims to stitch sustainability into style

Eco Elegance event aims to stitch sustainability into style

The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.

In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.

"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.

Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.

The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."

Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.

President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.

Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.

Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.

The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.

Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests