Junk Kouture

🎉 The wait is almost over! 🎉   We’re thrilled to announce that the Junk Kouture Dublin City Final is back tomorrow October 1st at The RDS! Sixty teams of young eco-conscious designers from across Ireland are set to showcase their jaw-dropping designs made entirely from recycled materials.    Expect designs addressing powerful themes like the housing crisis, the harmful effects of fast fashion, and even a warm welcome for Ukrainian students. These young creatives are using fashion to spark real conversations about the world we live in today.   What’s at stake? Teams are competing for one of 10 coveted spots in the upcoming Junk Kouture World Final!   The finalists will have to impress our esteemed panel of judges, including: Claire Garvey – Renowned Irish fashion designer and sustainable fashion advocate Fionn Ferreira – Anti-plastic pollution innovator and Forbes 30 Under 30 honouree Mariusz Malon – Former Junk Kouture winner and designer at Eurovision 2024 and London Fashion Week.   ✨ How to Watch: - Live Stream: Tune in to RTE Player from 6:30 pm on October 1st. - Highlights Show: Catch it on RTÉ2 and Player at 7 pm on October 16th.   Joining us for this spectacular evening is our main stage presenter Faye Shortt, and India Sasha Atkinson who will be bringing all the backstage action!   Tickets are still available on our website – don’t miss out on this family-friendly, thought-provoking event! Let’s come together to celebrate creativity, sustainability, and the future change makers! #JunkKouture #RTE #DublinCityFinal #Creativity #Sustainability #NextGeneration #Changemakers   https://lnkd.in/erEaYW6n

    🌍✨ What a week for Junk Kouture at Climate Week NYC! ✨🌍   As we kick off a new cycle of Junk Kouture, our community of young change-makers is inspiring the climate crisis conversation through creativity, innovation, and sustainable fashion.   This past week, talented students and supporters embraced the Art of Sustainability at key events. A few unforgettable moments: - 7 incredible designs from our community were featured in an exhibition, each aligned with one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), showcasing how creativity can drive positive change for our planet. - Our Founder and CEO, Troy Armour took part in the Fostering a Collaborative Ecosystem for Climate and Sustainability Leaders panel with Deloitte, sharing insights with amazing leaders like Susan Goldsmith, Vijayta Narang, Matt Scott and Jad Daley, followed by Katie Brill moderating a fashion show featuring incredible Junk Kouture NYC designs. - We connected with thought leaders and changemakers at the Fashion Institute of Technology, the UN SDG Media Zone, Newsweek and The Nest Climate Campus. - Hosted a sustainable design workshop with schools at the amazing Materials for the Arts with the Climate Group.    A huge thank you to the schools and students who brought their passion, creativity, and innovation to every event, inspiring us all with their commitment to sustainability.   And a shoutout to Deloitte for amplifying our community’s voice during this critical week! Special thanks to Susan Goldsmith, Jennifer Steinmann, Michelle Varney, Steven Goldbach, Amy Fields, Justina Spencer, Alyssa Ruedisueli, Ariel Sealing, CMP, Whitney Patlan, and Ashley Brusso for their invaluable support.   Here's to the next generation leading the way toward a more sustainable future! #JunkKouture #ClimateWeekNYC #Sustainability #ArtOfSustainability #YouthInAction #CreativityForThePlanet Jane Smith

🌈✨ Last month, we attended the Dublin Pride Parade with our amazing Official Logistics Partner, DHL Express Ireland Amid the grey skies and rain, Dublin's Pride Parade shone brightly, filling the streets with the colours of the rainbow and electric energy. 🌧️🌈 Staff and family members of DHL Express Ireland, Junk Kouture, and student designers took to the streets of Dublin as allies of the LGBTQIA+ community, celebrating diversity, inclusion, creativity, and sustainability.💖✨♻️ Well done to everyone who came out to support this incredibly important event! 👏 Special shoutout to any members of the public who spoke with us and the talented designers and their teams: - Tonn Chlíona from Castlecomer Community School - Yours Sincerely from Donahies Community School - See Me from St Anne's Secondary School Thank you for making this day unforgettable! 🌟 #JunkKouture #DHLExpressIreland #DublinPride 

Honoured to be appointed as one of Ireland's new Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Champions alongside 19 other inspiring organisations for 2024-2025! 🌟🌍 This recognition from the government is particularly exciting for Junk Kouture as it highlights the impact we’re making in educating young people on sustainability through creativity and innovation. Currently, we're present in 60% of secondary schools in Ireland, inspiring students to transform waste into fashion and take responsibility for their future.   Minister Eamon Ryan highlighted the importance of collective action towards achieving the SDGs, and we couldn't agree more. Together with diverse organisations like, Aldi Ireland, the GAA, Chambers of Ireland and Musgrave we are committed to paving the way for a more sustainable future.   📸 In the spirit of collaboration, here's a snapshot of all the new SDG Champions with Minister Eamon Ryan. Check out the full announcement here: https://lnkd.in/estCys4g #SDGsIRL Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications

Amid a hectic two weeks of mock exams, in February of this year, I had the privilege of presenting my design, titled "ReDefiNaissance", at the Junk Kouture World Finals at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco. This "night of creativity, performance, and talent" was the perfect opportunity for my team and my fellow competitors to showcase the endless possibilities of sustainable fashion on a global stage. Participating in this competition inspired the breakthrough I was seeking: innovative, upcycled designs. "ReDefiNaissance", which I crafted with my partners, manifests a rebirth (renaissance) of empowering ideologies, "sewing" the seeds of change toward a green, conscientious future. Thank you to Troy Armour for providing this impactful platform to the youth and to Jeff Hoffman, Brian Brault, and Dillon Jearey for sharing their inspirational stories and words of wisdom with us, aspiring entrepreneurs and designers. I wish the upcoming World Finalists good luck for the 2024 finals!

On Friday, May 17th, Junk Kouture had the incredible honour of participating in the 50th Anniversary of the International Women's Forum (IWF) in New York City. Attending this prestigious event was truly inspiring for our entire community, especially as we strive to empower the next generation through creativity and sustainability.   We were thrilled to have ten talented Junk Kouture designers from Georgia, New York, Ireland, Germany, and Milan join us. With 85% of our community being female, our mission is to enrich their lives, giving them a voice and instilling a belief that they can achieve anything they set their minds to.   To an audience of 1,200 women leaders, Junk Kouture took to the same stage as some of the most accomplished women in the world, following the panel discussion "Women Changing the World of Fashion." Esteemed speakers included Stephanie Phair, Group President of FARFETCH; Clare Waight Keller, Creative Director; and Desiree Bollier, Chair and Global Chief Merchant for Value Retail Management / The Bicester Collection, with moderation by Marty Wikstrom, Founder of Atelier Fund.   A special thank you to Marty, whose invitation made this incredible opportunity possible for our students.   The evening culminated in the IWF Hall of Fame Gala, celebrating the remarkable achievements of honourees Anna Wintour and Sheila Johnson.   IWF connects over 8,000 women leaders across 33 countries, shaping a future where leadership knows no gender, and the next generation is inspired and equipped to transform the world.   Being part of this event was not just an honour but a glimpse into a future where Junk Kouture alumni will be among this global network of leaders. We are proud to contribute to the creation of tomorrow's leaders.   #JunkKouture #EmpowerWomen #Sustainability #Creativity #FutureLeaders #IWForum #WomenInLeadership

So proud of Junk Kouture's collaboration with Microsoft, recognising the impact that our students are making in circularity and sustainability. Check out page 67 https://lnkd.in/ewD7M8As #MSSustainability

Feeling incredibly proud this week! On Saturday, May 11th, the Eurovision final in Malmö, Sweden, showcased the culmination of months of hard work and creativity, as our very own Junk Kouture alum, Mariusz Malon, wowed audiences around the world. Mariusz, known for his incredible wearable art, was a key part of Bambie Thug's costume design team. Mariusz's journey is truly inspiring. Originally from Poland and moving to Buncrana at just 7 years old, a three-time Junk Kouture winner during his time at Scoil Mhuire Buncrana, he has honed his skills further in Co Derry and Manchester. Today, he runs his own successful company, Malon Fashion, from his studio in Manchester. Reflecting on this amazing experience, Mariusz said, "I've always been a fan of Eurovision, and coming from a small town in Ireland and then moving to Manchester, I was never expecting to be part of such a big event." Congratulations, Mariusz! Your dedication and talent continue to inspire us all. 🌟 #Eurovision #WearableArt #JunkKouture #FutureLeadersNetwork #ProudMoment Check out the article on RTE Entertainment here: https://lnkd.in/ge2cHQsw

I'm excited to announce another one of our acts for the InsideOut Awards. Get ready to celebrate creativity and innovation as we welcome Junk Kouture, the world's first sport for creative young people empowering students aged 12-19 years to repurpose waste into breathtaking couture designs. Through Junk Kouture, young people compete on local, national, and global stages, gaining recognition and celebrating their talent. Much like traditional sports, Junk Kouture offers social capital benefits, fostering connections, teamwork, personal growth and positive mental health. With its vibrant and inclusive community and transformative impact, Junk Kouture provides a stage where young talents shine, their voices echoed, and their visions celebrated, all while championing sustainability and eco-consciousness. I had the pleasure of playing the music and doing a live voiceover for the Junk Kouture show at WOHASU ® which was a big highlight for me. The designers are truly inspirational and the show was super-entertaining. Chris Cummings and I are also really happy to announce that Jen Fisher 🦋 and Karen Guggenheim will be at the Awards and will be doing a quick Q&A. Have you grabbed your ticket yet? https://lnkd.in/e3N5wMzx #InsideOutAwards #BestNightOut24 #Sustainability #MentalHealth #Wellbeing

As the world highlights those taking action to protect our planet during Earth Month, Junk Kouture proudly honours the ingenious designers reshaping recycling and creativity. Introducing the visionary team, Queen of the Vale, whose modern take on 1860s fashion intertwines with Avoca's heritage. Using Avoca Ireland famed winter and spring selvage waste from power looms in Ireland’s oldest working mill, they reflect Avoca’s love of colour and showcase how nothing is ever wasted. At the heart of Junk Kouture lies innovation, and Queen of the Vale exemplifies this ethos. By marrying tradition with contemporary flair, they breathe new life into materials, transforming them into works of art. Now, envision the boundless possibilities of collaboration between these visionary young minds and brands like yours! Together, we can create impactful partnerships that not only draw attention but also instigate tangible change on a global scale.   #JunkKouture #Sustainability #Innovation #CreativePartnerships Maoliosa Connell Cara Sheehan Kate Coughlan Gill Mooney Derek Reilly Darragh Verschoyle