Two Tipperary students among the big winners at National Junk Kouture finals in Dublin

On Thursday night last, May 4, 80 up-and-coming eco-conscious creators and fashion designers at the Junk Kouture Dublin City Final Powered by RTÉ in 3Arena, Dublin. Ten haute-couture designs made from 100% recycled materials were chosen by Louis Wash, Keilidh Cashell, Tara Kumar and Stephen McLaughlin to compete at the 2023 Junk Kouture World Final in Ovo Arena Wembley in London on October 12.

Technical judge and Programme Director for Fashion Design at Griffith College, Jane Leavey, has worked behind the scenes this year to help the judging panel select nine worthy designs, while RTÉ Lifestyle Editor Sinann Fetherston was RTÉ’s representative at the final helping the judges award the RTÉ World Finalist title, making up the 10 winning designs.

The designs will battle it out against 50 other teams from Abu Dhabi, London, Paris, Milan and New York in London to become the World Designer of the Year!

Among the 10 winning entries on the night were two from county Tipperary.

TWO TIPPERARY WINNERS
‘Drowning Duchess’ modelled and designed by Eabha Byrnes of St. Anne’s Secondary School, Tipperary Town made from pool floats and inflatables.
RTÉ Finalist ‘The Eye of the Beholder’ modelled by Lauren Egan of Ursuline Secondary School, Templemore Road, Thurles, made from discarded tents, garden hose and an old builder’s helmet. Designers are Zoe Whelan, Lauren Egan and Shauna Walsh.