Gaelcholáiste Charraig Uí Leighin Students Advance to Junk Kouture Finals

By Tara Maher

Three Gaelcholáiste Charraig Uí Leighin students, Isabella McMullin, Darcy Perrott, and Louis Baker, are set to compete in the 2025 Junk Kouture Finals in Dublin with their unique design, "PaperDoll."

Junk Kouture, founded in 2010 by CEO Tony Armour, is a national competition that challenges secondary school students aged 12 to 19 to create wearable fashion designs from recycled and repurposed materials. The initiative aims to inspire young people to become agents of change by combining creativity, sustainability, and social responsibility. It has grown to become the largest youth sustainable education event in Ireland, fostering a generation of environmentally conscious designers and innovators.

The Gaelcholáiste Charraig Uí Leighin students, all in their transition year, share a passion for fashion and design. Their Junk Kouture journey began with a shared desire to make a difference and express their creativity while addressing environmental issues. Inspired by both Japanese subcultures, known for their innovative and avant-garde fashion, and growing concerns about the planet's fragile ecosystem, the team embarked on a mission to create a unique and impactful design.

"PaperDoll." designed by Isabella McMullin, Darcy Perrott, and Louis Baker

The result was "PaperDoll," a dress that embodies both artistry and environmental consciousness. The dress's doll-like appearance, characterized by its delicate features and intricate details, serves as a visual metaphor for the vulnerability of the ecosystem. Its construction from recycled paper, including discarded newspapers, tissue paper, and scrap paper, highlights the team's commitment to sustainability and resourcefulness.

The students' creative process involved sourcing materials from their own homes and communities, transforming everyday waste into a work of art. They spent countless hours experimenting with different techniques, such as paper mâché, origami, and weaving, to create the dress's unique textures and forms.

“After seeing the unbelievable designs the year prior we were inspired to take part in the Junk Kouture competition and design our own dress,” the team explained, this served as a great outlet for our artistic expression, while also showcasing our concern for the declining environmental state.

The students' innovative approach and commitment to sustainable fashion resonated with the Junk Kouture judges, earning them a coveted spot in the finals. The team's success is a testament to their hard work, creativity, and passion for making a positive impact.

The Gaelcholáiste Charraig Uí Leighin team describes their Junk Kouture experience as "nothing short of amazing" and eagerly anticipates showcasing their creation at the Dublin City Finals.