From trash to treasure: Junk Kouture designs by Limerick students to feature in finals

EIGHT original creations designed by innovative Limerick students have made it through to the semi-finals of Junk Kouture 2019. 

Now in its ninth year, Ireland’s leading fashion and art competition for secondary schools challenges students to create unique, original and innovative outfits from recycled materials and junk.

The all Ireland competition sees students combining fashion design, engineering and environmental sustainability to create show-stopping couture garments. 

“We were blown away by the standard and imagination of this year’s entries,” Junk Kouture operations manager Megan Kelly said. 

“The judges have had the most difficult job since the competition has begun, to decide who should go forward to the semi-finals.” 

“We also had more entries this year, which made the decision choosing process even more challenging.” Limerick students will represent their schools with eight fantastic creations in the Southern regional semi-final next month. 

Coláiste Íde agus Iosef will represent their school in Abbeyfeale with Plastic Fantastic, Hazelwood College in Dromcollogher will be represented by Eat, Sleep, Shoot, Repeat and students at Coláiste Iósaef in Kilmallock have created Peeking Blinders. 

Students at Salesian Secondary College in Pallaskenry, created Walking Wilderness, which was inspired by the wild hedgerows in the County Limerick village. 

Students at Coláiste Nano Nagle on Sexton Street qualified for the Southern Regional semi-final with two designs; Wipe Out and Rome-ing in d-Nile. 

Villiers Secondary School will also compete in March with its students’ colourful entry Hidden Lotus and students at Ardscoil Mhuire in Corbally will represent their school with United Colours.