A fashion show of creations that breathe new life into old nylon banners returns to the Surrey campus of Simon Fraser University this Friday, March 1.

The Beyond the Bag Eco-Fashion Showcase caps an annual project involving local high school students and led by SFU students.

Friday's showcase event, an initiative of Enactus SFU, a student-run not-for-profit organization, runs from 5: 30 to 8 p.m. on the mezzanine level of the university, at Central City.

The event is a competition that challenges young participants to create designs from used banners - the ones that hang from city street signs and at corporate events.

In previous years, Beyond the Bag events have featured a variety of impressive pieces, including reversible totes, coats, cocktail dresses and evening gowns.

This year's fashion showcase will feature the creations of 13 high school participants from schools in Surrey (Guildford Park), North Delta (Seaquam) and Vancouver (Eric Hamber).

Enactus SFU students have led workshops in more than 25 schools in Metro Vancouver. During the workshop series, local fashion students from Kwantlen Polytechnic University and John Casablanca's Institute also mentor the high school students.

"In addition to helping young aspiring designers gain traction in the local fashion industry, the initiative is educating future generations on the importance of sustainability," stated Ranita Lau, project co-ordinator.

The nylon banners used as material for the participants' designs can take more than 40 years to decompose in landfills, she added.

For project details, visit bannerbags.ca.