ZANZIBAR, Sept. 4 -- THE sun dipped into the Indian Ocean as the FuTopia Festival reached its crescendo in a striking blend of art, fashion, sound and symbolism.

The main stage, already a focal point over the past two days, had been subtly but purposefully extended and transformed into a runway not just for fashion, but for storytelling.

This was not a catwalk of brands or trends. It was a parade of meaning. An Eco-Fashion showcase took centre stage, where garments were crafted from unlikely materials recycled paper, plastic, banana fibres and even dried coconut leaves.

The aim was not simply to impress, but to provoke thought: creativity knows no boundaries, and neither does beauty. Under golden lights and the pulse of rhythmic music,...