Junk Kouture is back for another year and the Transition Year students in Scoil Chriost Ri have been extremely busy over the last few months.
A total of seven groups have submitted entries in the Southeast Region with the finals set for The Helix in Dublin next month.
The Junk Kouture competition aims to unleash the creative brilliance of young people, challenging them to create and model high-end couture from everyday junk.
All materials must be recycled or repurposed and new materials are prohibited.
Art Teacher Fiona Fitzpatrick, supported the girl’s as they were encouraged to ‘think outside the box’.
Fiona highlighted the importance of teamwork between the girls as they all had something unique to contribute.
The students of Scoil Chriost Ri learned and embraced key design representation skills, including, dress and millinery design, social media presence, technical and creative ability in photography skills and themed theatrical makeup.
All at Scoil Chriost Ri are so proud of their talented TY students who have worked endless hours on their impressive designs since September 2021.
Below, we highlight each of the designs and the girls involved explain what their creation represents.
QUEEN B – Robyn Dempsey and Nicola Rzensna
“The name of our dress is ‘QUEEN B’ as it is inspired by the need for us to save the bees, as young women of this generation we feel the need to highlight the distinction of the bees and how it will affect the future generation of our world.
“We see this theme displayed in our dress through our responsive use in recycled materials in the form of flowers.
“We hope to spread this important message through our Junk Kouture design.”
Féileacán of Freedom – Caoimhe Hyland Conlan, Caoimhe Hewitt and Gabrielle Davis
“Our dress – ‘Féileacán of Freedom’ is based on a theme of positivity despite current barriers and a hopeful end to covid restrictions.
“In the vision of our dress, one of main priorities was to honour all the astounding healthcare workers all over the world.
“In-line with our theme we used recycled face masks, cd’s, used curtains, wire, wool, fruit packaging, and zip-ties.
“The wings on our dress design symbolize how a caterpillar transforms into a butterfly further showcasing a change from restrictions to a new-normal.”
TAKE A BOW – Dara Byrne, Eimear Brennan and Gracie Coyne
“Our dress represents breast cancer awareness. We based the theme of our design on the awareness of breast cancer because we feel, as young women ourselves, that it is important to spread awareness on this serious medical matter.
“The main colour of our dress is pink as it is the colour of the breast cancer bow that we in Ireland are familiar with.”
MINIMA – Alison Dalton, Emma Tuohy and Orlaith McNamara
“We came together to design ‘MINIMA’ which translates to ‘tiny’ in Latin.
“Our dress, crown and footwear is hand-sewn, and makes up 100,000 tiny Styrofoam beads.
“Our dress is inspired by our favourite designer – Zac Posen, and how he celebrated femininity and elegance in his work. See @junkkoutureminima on Instagram to follow our journey.”
Childhood Memories – Filipa Oliveria and Katie Montgomery
“Our dress was inspired by our own childhood memories and how we look back on our childhood as we grow older.
“We feel that childhood memories can influence how act and who we are as adults.
“Our dress and headband are made from used cuddly toys, wool, childhood nightwear and comfort blankets.”
BOTTLED UP – Lily Duff, Tara Byrne and Hannah Guinan
“We designed a 1920’s ensemble, titled ‘BOTTLED UP’, influenced by the sirens of Greek mythology and representing an end to domestic violence.
“The floral head piece and floral design at the base of the dress represents how important it is to be yourself, to stay true to yourself and not to hide away from who you are.
“Each flower is handmade from recycled cereal boxes, and the dress using recycled plastic milk cartons and old bedsheets.”
ÉTOILE – Mya Adams, Ciara Bartley and Sarah Gallagher
“Inspired by Van Gogh’s ‘Starry Night’, our dress design – ‘ÉTOILE’ – is handmade using recycled mineral cans.
“Holding a dark canvas at the top of their design represents the night sky contrasting against the brightness of the golden stars on the skirt – showing that light can be found in the darkest of days.”
SEE ALSO – Snow, wind and rain expected as Laois County Council issue Storm Eunice warning
