Eco-conscious creators from Limerick to showcase their winning designs on global stage

A GROUP of students from Limerick who have transformed recycled materials into couture fashion are are set to showcase some of their designs on a global stage.

The students from Coláiste Nano Nagle in the city were among the 10 winners announced at the Junk Kouture Dublin City Final at the 3Arena earlier this week. 

The International Finale will take place in London in October when the students will again get the chance to showcase their unique style creations, made from 100% recycled materials.

The winning Limerick group’s design, entitled Tonnes of Tradition, and was made from tonne bags, wool, up-cycled curtains, curtain rings, wires, keys and bed sheets.

The Limerick group includes Aisha Khan, Khadija Bibi and Harjass Kau.

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“The standard of sustainable designs and the creativity on show from students right across Ireland just seems to go from strength to strength as tonight's winning designs have powerfully demonstrated,” said Suzanne Kelly, Group Head of Children's and Young People’s Programming in RTÉ.

A team of celebrity judges including Louis Walsh, Keilidh Cashell, Tara Kumar and Stephen McLaughlin decided who will continue to compete at the Junk Kouture World Final in the Ovo Arena, Wembley in London on October 12. 

Judging panel member and Irish music manager, Louis Walsh, wished all 10 finalists the ‘best of luck’ as they head to the international stage later this year. 

“I’ve been judging Junk Kouture a long time and I can say it never gets any easier to choose the winners – but I think we’ve got this decision right!

“It was important we picked designs who really rocked the stage of 3Arena as the World Final is the biggest event in the Junk Kouture calendar – you’ve got to bring it to a new level!”

RTÉ will broadcast highlights from the final on RTÉ 2 at 7pm on May 18.