KCG College of Technology, Chennai, along with Urbaser Sumeet and Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC), organized a unique fashion show titled, ‘Cause for Culture’ at Nexus Mall, Vadapalani. Urbaser Sumeet’s IoT- and KPI-driven waste management and community engagement project aligns seamlessly with the sustainability goals and technological focus of KCG College of Technology, making this collaboration both meaningful and timely. The event served as a powerful tribute to Chennai’s conservancy workers by redefining fashion as a platform for dignity, inclusion and sustainability. K J Praveen Kumar, IAS, Regional Deputy Commissioner, Central Zone was the Guest of Honour.

The show featured three distinctive sequences: “Salute to the Unsung”, conservancy staff walked the ramp in modern street-style clothing, showing pride in their work and daily contributions to the city; “Cause for Culture” showcased Indo-Western outfits made from refurbished Kanchipuram silk sarees sourced from Co-Optex; and “Drizzle and Dazzle”, was a street wear collection created using fabrics upcycled by Thuli, featuring young talents by the children of Urbaser conservancy staffs. Frontline workers on the ramp challenged norms and fostered respect across professions.

The stunning cultural installation called 'Barcelona to Chennai - A Spanish Dream in Chennai brought a new dimension to the event. Spearheaded by the students of KCG College of Technology under the guidance of the artist Mrudhubhashini Vijayakumar, the installation transformed fashion waste into sculptural art. The installation featured twelve striking sculptures, including seven majestic towers and four interactive free-standing pieces studded with mirror fragments. At the centre of the installation stood the BoV Vehicle, clad in globally discarded fabric, transformed into an art honouring the dedication and spirit of conservancy workers. By incorporating features such as Kanchipuram silk and Kalamkari block prints, the installation celebrated the region's rich textile heritage and highlighted the importance of sustainability, cultural story-telling and social impact.

K. J. Praveen Kumar, IAS, Regional Deputy Commissioner, said: “I am proud to support ‘Cause for Culture’, a powerful blend of fashion, purpose, and community that redefines sustainability and honors our city’s unsung heroes. ‘Clean Chennai – Our City, Our Home, Our Waste, Our Responsibility’ reflects our shared duty to build a clean and inclusive city. By spotlighting garments made from upcycled fabrics and celebrating the tireless work of conservancy workers, this initiative inspires conscious living and civic pride. True change begins at home, in our habits, and in how we value those who serve our city.”

The Chairman of KCG College of Technology, Dr Anand Jacob Verghese, remarked that the event inspired youth to actively participate in meaningful causes such as sustainability and labor dignity. It positioned students as proactive change-makers and cultural influencers.

Speaking to media persons, Dr Annie Jacob, the Director of the college, said, “At KCG Tech, we educate not just engineers and designers but nurture change makers who contribute to the social fabric of our communities”. By putting frontline workers on a fashion platform, the event broke social barriers and honoured their vital societal role. Further, all garments were designed using about 15 to 25 kgs of discarded clothes and deadstock fabrics, promoting environmental responsibility through a strong focus on circular design.”.

The event brought together a diverse range of partners — from NGOs to fashion brands — reflecting a holistic, community-driven approach. This reinforced the idea that positive social change is a shared responsibility across sectors.