Turn trash into fashion: young African man goes viral for designing high-fashion dresses using discarded materials

Por Carlos Valencia
25 May, 2026

A digital content creator is causing a sensation online thanks to his ability to transform urban waste into haute couture looks with international impact.

Instagram/@kaluputics

The artist from Ethiopia named Kalu Putik, known on his public profiles as Kaluputics, gained millions of followers on TikTok and Instagram since December 2025 by using discarded materials. The designer creates exclusive garments using old cardboard, used fabrics, and plastic bags without requiring large budgets.

Instagram/@kaluputics

His visual art caught the attention of music celebrities such as the American singer SZA, while his followers on digital platforms constantly tag luxury brands like Louis Vuitton so they recognize this creator’s talent.

Instagram/@kaluputics

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