'Amazing' Laois Junk Kouture team at Abu Dhabi world final
Three Laois students have had a "once in a lifetime experience" after they were chosen to go to Abu Dhabi for the first ever World Final of the Junk Kouture fashion competition.
Scoil Chríost Rí trio Alison Dalton from Ratheniska, Emma Tuohy from Vicarstown and Orlaith McNamara from Timahoe had created ‘Minima’ during their Transition Year last year.
The title translates to ‘tiny’ in Latin. The outfit was made up of over 100,000 tiny styrofoam beads from an old beanbag, medical bandaging and wire hangers. It was inspired by their favourite designer, Zac Posen.
It was one of nine Irish creations chosen to go on to the world final of the secondary school fashion recycling competition, at the Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi on January 11.
Emma told the Leinster Express / Laois Live how it all went.
"We had an amazing time in Abu Dhabi. It really was a once in a lifetime experience. It was such a beautiful city. We got a chance to explore and visit Ferrari world, Warner Bros world, and Yas Mall.
"World final day was a blur, but we enjoyed every minute of it. We got to see junk Kouture designs from all around the world, and some incredible performances. It was amazing to meet so many people our age from around the world who were all interested in fashion, like us.
"The design “Back To The Future” from Longford won the world sustainable designer of the year, and ourselves and the rest of team Ireland were ecstatic that team Ireland had claimed the trophy.
"Overall we had a wonderful time and couldn’t be more greatful to junk Kouture for making it all happen," she said.