Two Limerick secondary schools reach Junk Kouture national final
PROJECTS from two Limerick secondary schools have reached Junk Kouture’s national final.
Students from Crescent College Comprehensive and Coláiste Nano Nagle booked their places in the final in Dublin in May after success in the regional finals earlier this month.
Crescent College Transition Year students Mia Ryan, Síofra Campbell, Brooke Slattery, and Selena Kelly are the creators of Following Threads.
Two teams from Coláiste Nano Nagle advanced from the regional finals, which were held in the Helix in Dublin.
Shauna Brosnan, Flourish Olushola, and Talia Mazipholisa are the creators of If Snow White was African, while I’m Your Venus is a creation by Viktoriia Romancheriko, Natalie Quinn Sheehan and Ameliia Karashtefan.
Junk Kouture is a program that inspires students to transform recycled materials into glamorous couture, worthy of the Met Gala or Hollywood's red carpets.
The trio of projects from Limerick were among 30 entries selected by judges from a pool of 80 nationwide submissions to secure spots in the national finals.
Under the guidance of their teacher, Cian Browne, the Following Threads creation casts a spotlight on the issue of child labour within the fashion industry.
The piece creatively disassembles childhood attire, reimagining them into a powerful statement on equal rights. Its intricate weave not only captures a tapestry of memories but also draws a poignant contrast between innocence and exploitation.
The vibrant fabrics echo the universal spirit of childhood, juxtaposed with knots and a black hat that symbolises hidden agendas and the dark side of fashion inequity.
The If Snow White was African project showcases a remarkable use of materials, ingeniously repurposing an old primary school play parachute, GAA nets, and discarded art folders.
Their garment, a testament to creativity and resourcefulness, is a tribute to the iconic Disney princess Snow White, featuring her distinct colours of yellow, red, and blue.
The I’m Your Venus costume embodies the essence of the goddess of love and beauty emerging from the sea, carried by the winds onto land.
It symbolises the journey of personal growth and renewal, particularly resonant with the designer’s own experiences transitioning from Ukraine to Ireland.