LIMERICK fashion will feature on the international stage after students turned high vis-vests, bin bags, and pipes into high-end couture.
Lauren O’Neill, Alexandra Giltenane, and Sarah Kinnane from Salesian Secondary College were named Junk Kouture World Finalists for their ‘Carousel Couture’ design.
The creative students were announced as one of 10 winners at the 2025 Dublin City Final at The Helix.
They will go on to represent Ireland on the global stage at the Junk Kouture World Final, where they will compete alongside students from the UK, USA, France, Italy, and the UAE.
Other Limerick entrants included students from Coláiste Íde agus Iosef, where Liam Collins, David MacAodha and Mark O’Sullivan project ‘backpedalling’ created a design from bike gears, sprockets and a bike wheel.
Gracie O’Doherty, Isabelle O’Brien, and Olivia O’Brien from Scoil Mhuire were also ‘Wrapped in Resilience’ as part of their outfit which was put together from bale wrap.
The catwalk was not the only inspiration behind these outfits, with students also drawing attention to issues such as biodiversity protection, mental health and wellbeing, and responsible consumption and production, all tied to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The designs were evaluated by a judging panel of experts in sustainability and fashion, including Clare 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.
Celebrating its 15th year of creativity, innovation, and climate-conscious design, Junk Kouture continues to champion the next generation of Irish creatives.
