Models in vibrant batik gowns made fashion statements in support of sustainability as they hit the runway in the Sierra Leone capital Freetown on Saturday, marking a bold attempt to turn the production of eye-turning dresswear from a major polluter to a weapon against climate change.

The Eco Elegance fashion show, inspired by Miss World Sierra Leone 2024, showcased designs made entirely from eco-friendly materials, proving that style doesn't have to cost the Earth.

The event celebrates local talent while encouraging a shift away from fast fashion towards more mindful, ethical choices. Some of the initiative's most vocal proponents are the contestants themselves.

"This is about reinventing things. This is about putting things together. This is about our environment. It means so much more, and I want people to know that," said Rosaline Koroma, Miss Freetown second runner-up.

"As a model, I am very passionate about the environment, and this is why I'm here till the end. And I'm also looking forward to more of these shows in Sierra Leone," said Joseph Sesay, a model at Shades Of Ben.Hin.Mas, a local fashion company.

According to the United Nations, fashion is one of the world's largest polluters, accounting for about 10 percent of global carbon emissions, second only to the crude oil industry. Recycling, upcycling, and reusing are seen by many as sustainable solutions for a more environmentally responsible future. Behind the scenes, local designers like Kadiatu Kamara, CEO of luxury brand Vivid Emporium, are pushing sustainable fashion forward with expertise in batik -- a traditional dying technique that uses wax resist -- as well as other wearable art styles.

"Fashion and tourism and just eco-elegance, always for me, tie in together very well. I'm wearing a batik piece that is obviously designed by Vivid Emporium, and it's a sustainable fashion. We are working with local batik and tie dye makers here to create these amazing prints," she said.

Organizers said the event directly challenges fast fashion's environmental toll through upcycled fabrics and traditional West African dye techniques.

Daisy Mujeh Abdulai, CEO of Eco Elegance and Miss World Sierra Leone 2024, said that she sees fashion as an overlooked weapon in the climate fight when sharing her inspiration for the show.

"I believe when people talk about sustainability, it doesn't come to their mind that fashion is included in that, and we are one big people who can change the narrative. We who are the models, who are pageant queens, I believe if we push forward making the awareness of what we wear and what we produce, how the designs are made to be sustainable, then I think we can contribute to the fight against climate change and of course the motive of saving our planet," Abdulai said.