Junk Kouture is a fashion competition for second level students. This competition requires students to create a wearable outfit from recycled materials. The students can work in groups of up to three on their project, with one of them having to model the outfit. A sixty second performance with their chosen music is then required.
In the eight years that we have been involved in the competition, we have succeeded in getting at least one outfit to the national final each year. There can be up to 1500 entries in the competition from schools all over Ireland each year, and 80 make it to the final.
In both 2022 and 2023 ‘Acanatha’ and ‘Eye of the Beholder’ reached the World Finals representing Ireland in Dubai and Monaco respectively.
Other notable awards won were in 2020, with the “Givin It Wellie” outfit won the Southern Region and “Barking Up The Wrong Tree” winning the most unusual material award. It is a fantastic experience for students, allowing them to exploit the potential of their creative ability.
The initial deadline for the online application is usually the end of January. So the students have from September until January to design and create their outfit. Work on the outfit is also done after school, at least one evening per week. Then in January we have a school fashion show the showcase the students finished outfits. Parents and family of the participants are invited to attend.
Junk Kouture National Final 2024
Race to the Finish
‘Race to the Finish ’is the Ursuline 2024 Junk Kouture National Finalist. The team of Anna O’Callaghan, Julia McHugh and Sophie Quirke are currently preparing for their big night on the catwalk. They are looking forward to showcasing their sustainable design, inspired by women in sport, on Tuesday, 1 October in the RDS. Anna, Julia and Sophie will complete with other fashion finalists from all over Ireland, hoping to wow the judges with their ‘equestrian’ themed dress which features the colours Rachel Blackmore wore when she won the 2021 Grand National. The trio also used scrap racing silks generously donated by Rachel in their design.
Vision Zero
‘Vision Zero’ the brainchild of Christina Whelan, Tara Johnson and Caitlín Cussen, will compete in the National Junk Kouture Final in the RDS on Tuesday, 1 October. The girls created a purple/black ensemble by weaving frayed seat belts and using a knotting technique known as macramé. Sown into the bodice of the dress are reflectors, from high viz jackets, to illuminate the darkness. The materials used by the team demonstrate road safety and the importance of being seen as a pedestrian or cyclist.