08-05-2025
10 world finalists crowned at Junk Kouture Dublin City Final
Junk Kouture - an eco-conscious fashion competition aimed at secondary school students - returned to Dublin's Helix theatre last night for the Dublin City Final.
Following two successful Regional Finals in March, 60 talented design teams from across the country battled it out for a place in the Junk Kouture World Final 2025.
Each design featured in the show aligned with at least one of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), encouraging students to use fashion as a vehicle for change and to address environmental and social issues through creativity.
The designs were evaluated by a prestigious judging panel of experts in sustainability and fashion, including Claire Garvey, renowned Irish couture designer; Mariusz Malon, fashion designer and Junk Kouture alumnus; and Zeda the Architect, aka Oyindamola Animashaun, a visual artist, stylist, journalist and producer.
The 10 Junk Kouture World Finalists who will represent Ireland at the 2025 World Final are:
1. La La Lu Veil by Emilija Milasiute from St Joseph's Secondary School, Co Westmeath created from plastic milk bottles and plastic packaging straps.
2. Blazing Muse by Isabel Ryder, Niamh Donohoe and Lilly Mangan from Presentation Secondary School, Co Wexford created from tarpaulin curtain trailer.
3. Venom and Vines by Marija Cernikova, Molly Markey and Anika Beu from Inver College, Co Monaghan created from crisp pockets.
4. Blueprint by Erin Roche, Muireann Lowry and Hannah Higgins from Moate Community School, Co Westmeath created from single use medical jackets.
5. Golden Globe by Beth Brady from St Joseph's Secondary School, Navan, Co Meath created from over 1,000 Plastic Surgical Forceps.
6. Carousel Couture by Lauren O'Neill, Alexandra Giltenane and Sarah Kinnnane from Salesian Secondary College, Co Limerick, created from high-vis vests, big bags and pipes.
7. Saline Queen by Aine Carter, Elaine Miller and Kaylah O'Mara from Heywood Community School, Co Laois, created from salt and metal bags.
8. PaperDoll by Isabella McMullin, Darcy Perrot and Louis Bacaeir from Gaelcholáiste Charraig Uí Leighin, Co Cork, created from paper waste.
9. Gear Glamour by Ellen Chapman, Anna Murphy and Kayla Butler from Ramsgrange Community School, Co Wexford, created from wheel spokes and tyre tubes.
10. Miss Mares by Lucia Revuelta from Elphin Community College, Co Roscommon, created from aluminium cans, sardine tins and foil.
RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player will air the Dublin City Final on Monday, 19 May at 7pm.
Fashion fans can also hear from Clodagh Ramsey, the reigning Junk Kouture World Designer of the Year, on RTÉjr's climate and nature podcast, Ecolution on 14 May.
