This fashion designer can create almost any dress from other people's trash

What some might consider trash, she sees as valuable materials that can be used for her incredible fashion creations.

For the past seven years, Leonora Buenviaje from the Philippines has been making eye-catching designs from the junk that other people discard.

The 51-year-old seamstress uses recycled plastic wrapping, newspapers and rice sacks to make dresses for special occasions, including wedding gowns. 

In her studio in Cainta, Rizal Province, Leonora effortlessly stitches together different pieces that sell for between R440 and R735. 

The seamstress uses materials such as recycled plastic wrapping, newspapers, and rice sacks. (PHOTO: Gallo Images / Getty Images)

She's able to conjure up a beautiful bodice with a sweetheart neckline from a humble roll of bubble wrap. A bright party dress on display in her studio was once a rice sack. She also creates headpieces that go with her clothes. 

Leonora working on her latest creation. (PHOTO: Gallo Images / Getty Images)

“The bubble wraps from delivery packages are nice looking and make for a good design, especially the black-and-white wraps,” she told Reuters.

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Leonora determines which materials she should use for her dresses based on what her clients are looking for. She uses an old-fashioned foot-operated sewing machine to sew the clothes. 

She's happy to be able to do her bit to reduce the amount of waste in her country. According to a 2021 report by Oxford University, about 80% of the world’s ocean plastic comes from Asia. A third of that comes from the Philippines.

She uses a foot-operated sewing machine. (PHOTO: Gallo Images / Getty Images)

“It’s good to use recycled material because the cost is inexpensive. All you are really paying for is labour. It's durable, colourful, and we can help the environment at the same time,”  Leonora says. 

The materials she uses not only help save the environment but also attract a lot of attention from potential clients. Because her work is so unique and colourful, many are eager to wear her dresses and showcase them at fashion shows and beauty pageants. 

“I get delighted whenever they win. The designs are simple but still they win,” she says.

Sources: REUTERS, AL JAZEERA , MASHABLE