Tipperary students reach Junk Kouture World Finals with sustainable fashion designs
Two young designers from Tipperary impressed judges with eco-friendly creations inspired by wetlands conservation and social equality at the Junk Kouture Dublin City Final.
Two Tipperary designers have qualified for the world finals of fashion competition Junk Kouture.
At a national final of the competition held last Wednesday May 6, two Tipperary schools were chosen by judges along with ten other finalists who will compete in the 'World Finals' of the competition next year.
Speaking after the event, Megan Kelly, Director of Global Events – Junk Kouture, said: “The quality of work on display at this year’s Dublin City Final was exceptional. These young designers are using creativity as a force for change, and every piece on the runway reflected imagination, purpose, and technical skill. We are incredibly proud of all finalists, and so excited to have our World Finalists selected.
“A huge thank you must go to the schools and educators that continue to bring the programme to classrooms all over Ireland, enabling students to express themselves and celebrate their own creativity through fashion.”
One of the Tipperary entries to make it to the World Finals was ‘Before The Pond Runs Dry’.
The design is described as a unique dress crafted from old oil tablecloths and an old duvet and was designed, created, quilted, and also modelled by Isabel Slattery, a student at St Anne’s Secondary School in Tipperary Town.
The dress carries a powerful message about the drainage of Irish wetlands and the preservation of underwater ecosystems, Isabel told Tipperary Live in an earlier interview.
Another Tipperary design to make it to the finals was 'Ransacked' by Joseph Monaghan from Newport College.
With his outfit titled ‘Ransacked’, Joseph has brought the coffee shop to the runway.
Joseph's creative design combines materials such as coffee sacks, chicken wire and recycled fabrics, all carefully patchworked together.
These materials symbolise resilience and unity, echoing the message of reducing inequalities, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 10.
The dates of the World Finals of the competition have not yet been announced but it is expected to take place in 2027.