Westmeath students have swept the boards at the Western final of the Junk Kouture Recycled Fashion Competition 2013. Of the 20 amazing outfits announced as finalists, 10 were designed by Westmeath students.
A total of 84 models from secondary schools across the west took to the stage in the Royal Theatre, Castlebar last Wednesday to showcase the students’ creations. The challenge was to create high-end wearable fashion from everyday junk that would normally find its way into the bin.
The 10 Westmeath finalists go forward to showcase their designs at the Junk Kouture Grand Finale in the Bord Gais Energy Theatre on Friday April 19.
The local finalists going through to the final are Tyre-iffic, All Bottled Up, Glaçons Froideur, Nespresso Yourself, and Banana Belle, all from Our Lady’s Bower, Athlone; Chic Noir, Fil de Fee, and Orage Electrique from Moate Community School; Aleggsandra from St Joseph’s Secondary School, Rochfortbridge; and Electro-chic from Wilson’s Hospital School, Multyfarnham.
Junk Kouture aims to inspire teenagers to create original designs, while also educating them on the importance of recycling and reusing waste.
Elizabeth O’Donnell, co-founder of Junk Kouture, said “The standard this year was exceptionally high which made the judges’ decisions extremely difficult. The talent last night was exceptional and we are very excited about the grand finale next month.”
Once on the catwalk at the grand finale, the Junk Kouture’s expert judges - environmental awareness judge Yvonne Holmes, international model Faye Dinsmore, stylist and TV presenter Darren Kennedy, and art and design expert Tracey Fahey - will be tasked with finding the budding designers who will walk away with over €20,000 worth of prizes.
The winner will be announced on the night of the Grand Finale on April 19.
