Limerick students crowned among winners of Junk Kouture national final

AFTER a show-stopping evening of creativity, sustainability, and performance, ten outstanding young design teams were named Junk Kouture World Finalists at the 2025 Dublin City Final yesterday evening. 

These trailblazing students will go on to represent Ireland on the global stage at the Junk Kouture World Final, where they will compete alongside students from the UK, USA, France, Italy, and the UAE.

The piece named Carousel Couture by Lauren O’Neill, Alexandra Giltenane and Sarah Kinnnane from Salesian Secondary College Pallaskenry, was created from high-vis vests, big bags and pipes.

An impressive piece of wearable art, Carousel Couture is vibrant, detailed, and masterfully crafted by the local group of students. 

Groups from secondary schools including Westmeath, Wexford, Monaghan, Meath, Laois, Kerry, and Roscommon were among the 10 winners who will represent Ireland at the 2025 World Final.

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The energy was electric inside The Helix, as 60 design teams from schools across the country brought the runway to life with innovative and thought-provoking creations. 

Each outfit, crafted entirely from upcycled and recycled materials, showcased the power of youth creativity as a force for environmental and social change.

The audience saw everything from old tents and discarded footballs to high-vis jackets, plastic medical forceps, and scrap metal transformed into extraordinary haute couture. 

More than just fashion, these designs were inspired by powerful global issues, with students drawing attention to issues such as biodiversity protection, mental health and wellbeing, and responsible consumption and production, all tied to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

Junk Kouture continues to provide a platform for young people to creatively amplify their voices and become changemakers in their communities.

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The designs were evaluated by a prestigious judging panel of experts in sustainability and fashion including Claire Garvey, renowned Irish couture designer, Mariusz Malon, fashion designer and Junk Kouture alumnus and Zeda the Architect aka Oyindamola Animashaun, a visual artist, stylist, journalist and producer.

In case you missed the sold-out show, RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player will air the Dublin City Final on Monday, May 19 at 7pm, capturing all the action, glamour, and heart of the show.

Viewers can also hear from Clodagh Ramsey, the reigning Junk Kouture World Designer of the Year, on RTÉjr’s climate and nature podcast, Ecolution, as she reflects on her journey and offers insights into the impact of creative sustainability. 

The special episode will be available on Spotify and all major podcast platforms on May 14.

Follow along on Instagram and TikTok at @junkkouture to relive the highlights and support the Irish finalists on their journey to the world stage.