Local artist takes passion for sustainability straight to the runway
By Sonia Isaacs
A LANDSBOROUGH -based multidisciplinary artist has turned trash into treasure—earning a coveted finalist spot in the 2025 Australian Wearable Art Festival.
Carissa Belham, founder of Risso Creative, and her design partner Mirela Streza have been named finalists in the 2025 AWAF’s Trashion category, which celebrates garments made primarily from recycled or repurposed materials.
Their sculptural creation, constructed from 97 per cent reclaimed items, will feature on the 27-metre runway in August.
“I’ve always loved exploring creativity across different mediums—abstract expressionism, collage, product design, publishing—so wearable art instantly caught my attention as a new challenge for exploring,” Ms Belham said.
With no previous experience in sewing, Ms Belham dove headfirst into the project, inspired by community support and a growing passion for sustainability.
The project quickly became a local collaboration, with friends, neighbours and organisations like the Morris House Neighbourhood Centre offering encouragement and materials. Textiles and discarded items were sourced from around her home, local op shops, tip shops in Beerwah and Caloundra, and online marketplaces.
The purchase of her first mannequin was a turning point.
“That’s when it all started to feel real!” she exclaimed.
Carissa Belham and Mirela Streza are both newcomers to the wearable art space. Their work seeks to fuse historical fashion references with themes of sustainability and feminine strength.
Their garment pays homage to women’s roles in society while reimagining waste as a source of beauty and innovation.
“We’ve loved gathering research and formulating ideas around our concepts. We have been challenged to learn new skills,” Ms Belham said. “I now love making with these mediums in my own abstract artist way—testing, adapting, and bringing elements of trash into renewal.”
The pair’s selection comes amid growing interest in the environmental impact of fast fashion. This year’s festival includes works made from dog hair, growing grass, plastic bags and vintage videotape—pushing the boundaries between sculpture, performance, and fashion.
The Australian Wearable Art Festival, to be held on August 8–9, will showcase 37 finalists on the runway.
For the Landsborough local, the journey has been as meaningful as the recognition. “We’re invested in the process and full of wonder to see it all come to life.” Tickets to the festival are now available at www.australianwearableart.com.au.