SA TikToker goes viral for making clothes out of shopping bags

Ricollin wearing a T-shirt he made from shopping bags. Picture: Instagram

Ricollin wearing a T-shirt he made from shopping bags. Picture: Instagram

Published Feb 9, 2024

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When it comes to raw talent, South Africa is blessed. And thanks to social media, most of these talented people can now share their work with people all over the world.

A TikToker, who goes by @ricollinart_official, continues to amaze people with his talent.

Ricollin is a self-taught artist who not only draws magnificent art pieces but makes clothes as well.

What makes him stand out is that he uses lipstick, coffee, food colouring and other household products to draw stunning art pieces.

And when it comes to fashion, he uses shopping bags to make wearable clothes because he’s all about sustainability.

For example, in late 2023, he made a T-shirt using Pick n Pay and Woolworths shopping bags. It didn’t end there – he also hand-painted the T-shirt for an edgy look.

@ricollinart_official recycling reusable shopping bags into a t-shirt 🛍>👕 check out my instagram: ricollinart_official #art #painting #sustainablefashion #fypシ #ricollinart_official ♬ Water - Tyla

And since he had never used a sewing machine before, he stitched the whole T-shirt by hand.

His followers were impressed by his skills.

“I think you should design cashiers’ shirts. Underrated talent,” said @Rearabetswe Sekete.

During the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Ricollin drew the members of the Springboks, including their captain Siya Kolisi, and Eben Etzebeth, using only lipsticks.

When Grammy award-winning musician Tyla blew up, he also drew a portrait of her using 10 shades of lipstick, and now that she just won her first Grammy, Ricollin’s followers asked him to bring back that portrait.

The artist has been drawing since the age of 16, and, at 22, his work is polished.

Below are some of his best works.