IT will be lights, camera, action as students from across Ireland battle it out to be crowned winner of the rescheduled 2020 Junk Kouture Grand Final.
Like most live events last year, Covid-19 led to the postponement of the 10th annual Junk Kouture final in 3Arena Dublin in April 2020 – but the curtain didn’t fall on Junk Kouture as the team persevered to produce an equally wonderful alternative to their yearly live show.
Four Limerick designs will feature in this years final:
- Coral Grief – Colaiste Iosaef, Kilmallock – Clara lynch, Cara Davern, Hannah Brady
- Ooh Couture – Colaiste Nano Nagle, Limerick -Samanta Makulena, Paula Stalidzane, Niamh Toner
- Laochra Gael – Colaiste Iosaef, Kilmallock – Dean Casey, Kevin Sheedy, Patrick Finn
- Generation Fade – Colaiste Nano Nagle, Limerick -Leah Kerley, Jasmine Dillon O’Carroll, Naomi Purcell
And now for the first time ever, the Junk Kouture Grand Final supported by the Creative Ireland Programme will be televised, beaming the incredible designs of students into the homes of the nation and showcasing these talented young people who have waited so patiently throughout the pandemic for their moment to shine.
Filmed in breathtakingly beautiful new venues across Ireland, the final has been adapted for the times we live in, not only granting students the opportunity to model their creations in a safe way but to also gain the experience of being one of the stars of a television production.
There will also be a special musical performance from pop princess and 2FM Rising artist Aimée who will perform her new single Bulletproof.
All students will strut their stuff in designs made entirely from everyday junk: whether that is old tyres, toothbrushes or burnt toast, anything goes when it comes to Junk Kouture.
The golden rule is the outfit must be made from 100% recycled materials.
The winner of Junk Kouture 2020 will walk away with €1,000 with a further €2,000 for the winning school. There will be many other awards up for grabs on the night too at the Winners’ Party, broadcast on junkkouture.com straight after the main show, including the bright Enterprise Award and the Waste2Wear Creative for a Cause Award.
Meanwhile, the RTÉ Audience Choice Award will allow the audience at home to have their say by voting for their favourite design on app.junkkouture.com.
The winning design will receive an RTÉ Audience Choice Award trophy and the experience of starring in their very own bespoke social media campaign on RTÉ’s social channels for their design. Voting opens Monday 1st February at 9am and closes 6pm Friday 5th February.
Junk Kouture judge Michelle Visage said: “There have been so many ups and downs for everyone this year but somehow Junk Kouture has found a way to adapt – and that resilience is why I am so excited to play my part in the tenth Grand Final of this amazing contest.
“Our finalists will be making history, as the final is aired on TV for the first time – how exciting is that? I really love everything about this competition as it not only showcases the extraordinary creativity of the next generation, but it also carries an important message for us all: to look after the world that we live in.
“I want all the finalists to seize the moment and show us what they’ve got. I can’t wait to witness the phenomenal talent that is sure to be on display. And I am beyond delighted to reunite with Mr Louis Walsh and help crown the next winner of Junk Kouture.” she said.
Junk Kouture Judge Louis Walsh said: “I have been judging Junk Kouture for ten years now and I have to admit, I really feared that the tenth final might not go ahead. There were times when we all thought, ‘how can we make this happen?’ but I am so happy that Junk Kouture has managed to overcome every obstacle and organise an unforgettable show for everyone.
“It’s just incredible how things have been turned around and now the final will be on television for the very first time! It’s the tenth year of Junk Kouture and things are certainly bigger and better than ever.
“What is even more amazing is that despite Michelle being on the other side of the world, we will be able to judge this competition together side by side, thanks to technology. I am so glad to be involved and see what the students have in store for us.
“They are what Junk Kouture is all about and I can’t wait to see who is going to be the next big thing!” he added.
Catch all the action on RTÉ2 this Thursday 4th February at 7pm and the RTÉ Player to find out who will be crowned the next winner of Junk Kouture.
