We’ve all heard of models who’d look fabulous even wearing a bin bag — but there are designers out there too who’d make any old scrap from potato sacks to high-vis vests look only spectactular. And now 10 of the country’s top teams have been announced as world finalists in the Junk Kouture World final.
The designers and models will now represent Ireland in the competition for the prestigious title of World Designer of the Year. They all impressed the judges and audiences at the Junk Kouture Dublin City Final this week.
From up-cycled tealights to mussel shells turned couture, each design carried powerful messages about pressing issues such as Ireland’s housing crisis and the environmental impact of fast fashion.
The 10 World Finalist designs are:
by John Coughlan and Lucy Murphy of Colaiste Pobail Bheanntrai, Cork made from silage wrap, fertiliser bags and an old football.
by Ameliia Karashtefan, Viktoriia Romanchenko and Natalie Quinn Sheehan of Colaiste Nano Nagle, Limerick made from old tents, floor installation and bottle caps.
by Clodagh Ramsey of Wilson’s Hospital School, Westmeath made from more than 2,000 Irish blue mussel shells, charity shop lace, old hair extensions, and feathers.
by Christina Whelan, Tara Johnson, Caitlin Cussen of Ursuline Secondary School, Tipperary made from seatbelts and high visibility vests as the designers were inspired by the RSA’s campaign Vision Zero.
by Stephanie O’Connor and Sienna Howe of Colaiste Bride, Wexford made from the bark of the Ugandan Mutuba tree, and 2,500 beads hand quilled from old books.
by Emma Kinahan, Lucy Champ and Emma Keane of Moate Community School, Westmeath made from alpaca wool and synthetic leather.
by Aisling McFadden, Eabha McGinley and Sinead Browne of Pobalscoil Chloich Cheannfhaola, Donegal made from old duvets, prams from the bogland, and 250 plastic bottles.
by Siobhan McGrane, Bibi Lynch and Nel Czubak of Swords Community College, Dublin made from potato sacks, 800 crushed tealights, a hay net, and a Halloween mask.
by Charlotte Monaghan, Ciara McDonagh and Jade O’Mailey of Sancta Maria College, Mayo made from tealights, wicks, pipes, and rope.
by Caitlin Clarke and Amy Rose Lynam of Loreto Secondary School, Dublin made from dried reeds, charity shop denim, and plastic milk cartons.
These teams will be competing for the ultimate title of Dublin City Designer of the Year at the World Final, where they’ll take on design champs from London, Milan, Paris, New York, and Dubai in a bid to snag the crown of World Designer of the Year.
The date and location of the Junk Kouture World Final will be announced soon.
Other spectacular contestants include…
- junkkouture.com and @junkkouture
- And all the highlights will be on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player on Wednesday, October 16 at 7pm
