In a country where waste engulfs our environment (yep, we know you already have Jozi in mind), a group of visionary designers in Johannesburg, South Africa, have embarked on a remarkable journey, transforming discarded airbags into works of art. This ambitious project we saw from an IG post, aptly named COLLISION THEORY v1, not only seeks to breathe new life into forgotten materials but also aims to embody the essence of survival, protection, and resilience.
By repurposing these salvaged airbags, Khumo Morojele alongside other creatives such as Franadailla & Taylor Makhoba create garments that serve as a testament to the duality of life—celebrating both those who were saved and the memory of those lost in tragic collisions.
The Medium of Deconstruction:
Every airbag used in this creative endeavor has been meticulously sourced from an automobile scrapyard in the vibrant city of Jozi. Once instrumental in saving lives during unexpected accidents, these airbags have now found a new purpose. As they are carefully extracted and cleaned, they become a blank canvas for Khumo Morojele’s innovative design ideas, carrying with them the spirit of their previous role as guardians of safety.
Another Man’s Crash, Is Another Man’s Treasure:
The central concept behind COLLISION THEORY v1, envisioned by Khumo Morojele, is the transformative power of resilience. These upcycled garments aim to capture the essence of rebirth, celebrating the potential for growth that arises from adversity. As the airbags are deconstructed and reconstructed into unique pieces, they represent the journey of survival—where destruction is merely a precursor to reinvention.
Each garment designed by Khumo Morojele serves as a personal testimony, telling a story of how a collision led to newfound strength and hope. They stand as symbols of survival and remembrance, honoring the memory of lives lost in tragic accidents while serving as a reminder of the fragility and preciousness of life itself.
As we witness the journey from wreck to rise, COLLISION THEORY v1 by Khumo Morojele reminds us of the power of transformation and the capacity for beauty to emerge from unexpected sources. It prompts us to reflect on the fragility of life, the significance of protection, and the boundless potential for reinvention. In this collision of art, fashion, and sustainability, Khumo Morojele invites us to see discarded objects not as waste but as opportunities for renewal and expression.
Main Image: @kmorojele IG/
