Athlone students Ruth Gallagher and Aoife Mannion are jetting off to the States to showcase the artistic talents of Ireland’s fashion forward teenagers as part of Junk Kouture.
Ruth Gallagher from Our Lady’s Bower, Athlone will model ‘Pine-A-Coladas’ which she designed along with Jane Wallace and Emma Kinsella. Their teacher is Oonagh Kelly. ‘Pine-A-Coladas’ is the current Junk Kouture champion having won the competition in The O2 Dublin in May. This dress is made from all things natural including pinecones, pineapples, rope, also from and copper wire.
Aoife Mannion will also be showcasing her design ‘Recircuitable’ at iFest. This native American inspired design was made by Our Lady’s Bower students Aoife, Muirenn Lyons, and Niamh Brady from old circuit boards. This design won the WEEE award for best use of recycled electrical waste at the Junk Kouture grand final in May.
This American opportunity is all thanks to iFest - a unique and exhilarating celebration festival of Irish culture, heritage, hospitality, and entertainment held in Boston’s Seaport World Trade Center.
Six other secondary school students from across the country will join Aoife and Ruth when they fly to Boston next week to showcase their designs on the main stage at this exciting festival over the course of the weekend.
iFest Boston runs from September 26-28.
