Three students from Moville Community College displayed their mermaid-themed dress made from recycled materials at the Junk Kouture Regional Finals, emphasizing both sustainability and inclusivity.
Three students from Moville Community College, Maia McDermott, Alicia Atherton, and Clara Doherty, showcased their innovative mermaid-inspired design at the Junk Kouture Regional Finals held at the Helix Theatre in Dublin City University on Wednesday. Their dress, titled “Freedom,” was composed of plastic bottles, recycled pearls, seashells, and adorned with a creative fin effect made from an old tutu.
Maia McDermott modeled the dress during the competition, where she received an enthusiastic response from the packed audience. As the only model of the evening who uses a wheelchair, this moment was particularly significant for her, as well as for team member Alicia Atherton, who is also an ambulatory wheelchair user. “Our dress was called ‘Freedom’ because we believe the water can give freedom to people with disabilities (physical or mental) and freedom to wear the dress easily in a wheelchair,” Maia explained in a statement to Donegal Daily.
The design not only reflects inclusivity but also emphasizes environmental sustainability, aligning with the global Sustainable Development Goal of life below water. Under the mentorship of art teacher Ms. Niamh Hegarty, the students leveraged their coastal surroundings to gather materials for their project, showcasing their commitment to both the environment and innovative fashion.
Following a dynamic day and evening filled with excitement, the team was thrilled to find out they had been selected to advance to the Dublin City Finals scheduled for May. “The whole regional final was an unbelievable experience and we are so grateful and still a bit shocked,” Maia added.
The Junk Kouture competition, founded by Buncrana native Troy Armour, is recognized as the world’s largest sustainable fashion initiative, challenging schools to craft high-end fashion from repurposed materials. The Helix event also featured entertainment by local talents, including DJ Ois Bosh from Muff and The Debonairs from Killybegs, adding to the celebratory atmosphere of the evening.
For additional details and results from the Junk Kouture finals, readers can look to Donegal Daily for further coverage.
Source: Noah Wire Services
