A dress highlighting Donegal’s concrete crisis earns a spot in the Ireland finals of Junk Kouture, showcasing local talent and creativity.
A dress designed to highlight Donegal’s ongoing defective concrete crisis has earned a coveted spot in the Ireland finals of the popular sustainable fashion competition, Junk Kouture. This year, the event saw robust participation from aspiring designers across Donegal, showcasing the creativity and talent of local students.
The regional finals were held at the Helix in Dublin over last Wednesday and Thursday, where five designs from Donegal made their mark. Among the standout entries was “Redress, Rebuild, Remodel,” created by Rose Gaffey from Loreto Community School in Milford. Gaffey’s dress is notable for being constructed entirely from construction site materials such as cement, insulating foam, and roof membrane. This innovative design serves as a poignant visual representation of the Mica and housing crisis affecting Donegal and other regions.
Carndonagh Community School also saw success with two finalist teams. Lily McGonigle and Niamh Donaghey entered a design titled “Apricity,” while Alannah Doherty presented “Acro Iris.” Both designs exemplify the artistic flair and sustainable ethos that Junk Kouture promotes.
Additionally, students from Deele College submitted “Siren Song,” created by Zara Doherty and Niamh Byrne, which also garnered attention at the finals. The diverse range of designs demonstrates the ability to merge sustainability with innovative fashion.
Moville Community College added to the representation with its design “Freedom,” crafted by Maia McDermott, Alicia Atherton, and Clara Doherty. This mermaid-themed outfit is specifically designed to be wheelchair-user-friendly, further emphasizing the inclusivity of fashion.
The Dublin City Finals for Junk Kouture are scheduled for May, where the announced finalists will compete for a chance to advance to the World Final. The excitement surrounding these young designers and their creative messages continues to grow, showcasing the important intersection of fashion and social issues.
Source: Noah Wire Services
