The Fashion Program of BINUS University is proud to celebrate the achievements of its B28 students at the Asian Student Fashion Week (ASFW) 2026 Upcycling Competition, hosted by Universitas Negeri Malang. The competition challenged young designers to transform discarded denim materials into innovative fashion pieces, promoting creativity through sustainable design.

Centered around the theme of denim upcycling, participants were required to create original garments using pre-loved denim jackets and jeans. Instead of producing new textiles, students reimagined secondhand materials into contemporary fashion, highlighting the value of sustainability and circular design in the fashion industry.

Among the participating BINUS Fashion students, Team Christian and Team Najma Fathia Akbar successfully advanced to the semi-final round, showcasing their strong design concepts and technical skills.

Building on this achievement, Team Najma Fathia Akbar, consisting of Najma Fathia Akbar and Kimberly Dawn Martin, earned a place as one of the competition’s finalists. Their selected design was then brought to life as a full-scale garment for the final runway presentation in Malang.

The design process began with sourcing used denim jackets and jeans from local thrift markets. Rather than treating the garments as finished products, the team carefully deconstructed each piece, analyzing the placement of seams, pockets, collars, and panels before reconstructing them into a completely new silhouette. Every element of the original garments was thoughtfully repurposed, demonstrating how discarded clothing can be transformed into high-value fashion through creativity and craftsmanship.

Throughout the production process, the team experimented with pattern reconstruction, material placement, and garment construction to maximize the use of existing denim while minimizing textile waste. The final look showcased the versatility of upcycled materials and reflected the innovative spirit encouraged by the competition.

After completing the garment, the team traveled to Malang to present their work at the final stage of the Asian Student Fashion Week 2026 Upcycling Competition, joining finalists from various institutions across Indonesia.

This accomplishment reflects the commitment of BINUS Fashion students to integrating innovation, sustainability, and craftsmanship into their design practice. Their participation not only demonstrates technical excellence but also reinforces the growing importance of upcycling as an approach to responsible fashion design.