VESS Leung never has problems choosing an outfit.

If she doesn’t like what’s in her wardrobe, she simply gets out her sewing kit and scissors and makes her own.

And if there’s no material handy, she improvises.

The Keilor Downs resident’s latest creation is a gown made of metcards.

Waste not, want not is her motto.

“Ever since the start of high school I’ve had to catch the bus,” the 18-year-old said.

“For some reason I didn’t like throwing away the tickets so I kept them.

“I’d collected over a thousand and I finally decided I’d better put them to some use.”

Having always dreamed of carving a career in the cutthroat fashion industry, the budding designer seizes on every opportunity to strut her stuff.

Vess is among eight designers who will unveil their creations at the Brimbank Youth Fashion Festival this week.

The student fashionistas will face off in the Project Runway style competition, which will be held at Brimbank Central Shopping Centre this Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

The festival aims to showcase the work of talented youth across Brimbank and will also feature young modelling students, who will be given their first taste of the catwalk.

Vess said she was looking forward to revealing her unique gown to the Brimbank community.

Although punters can bid on the designs during a silent auction, Vess said she doubted she could part with her dress.

“I’m planning to wear it to the races next year,” she said.

“I’m very attached to it so they’d have to make me a pretty good offer, otherwise I’ll keep it for myself.”

The fashion show will kick off from 4pm this Thursday.

Shows will also be held at 7pm on Friday and noon on Saturday.