The dos and don'ts of recycled fashion

Wear and tear is often a problem with old clothes, but it's amazing what a patterned light effect can do to distract onlookers from a tatty top Photograph: Bela Szandelszky/AP

Some people like to come across as a little spiky, but it's not cool to use porcupines in fashion. Here, a designer shows how a similar effect can be achieved with plastic tubing Photograph: Karoly Arvai/Reuters

Household items can have surprising uses. This designer shows how lampshade tassels can create a horned beast in an ode to that famous puppeteer, Jim Henson Photograph: Attila Kisbenedek/AFP/Getty Images

Just because it's eco-friendly doesn't mean it isn't fun, as this model demonstrates with a witty take on singing in the shower Photograph: Attila Kisbenedek/AFP/Getty Images

Who needs to bother with the environmental cost of washing up plates when you can carry around a mid-morning snack on your dress? Photograph: Imre Foeldi/EPA

Don't take the car - get a willing volunteer to carry you to work Photograph: Imre Foeldi/EPA

Making your own clothes is very ethical. Avoid the pesky problem of not actually being able to knit by just sticking on balls of wool Photograph: Attila Kisbenedek/AFP/Getty Images

Thought that bin liners were just for the bin? Think again! (Warning: don't wear this in a hot country) Photograph: Attila Kisbenedek/AFP/Getty Images