Twelve designs from each region chosen by judges are to take part in the Dublin City Final 2024, in May. Everything from bingo books, Rachel Blackmore and Irish folklore inspired the young designers from across Ireland.
Junk Kouture judges, couture designer Claire Garvey, Miss Universe Ireland 2023 Aishah Akorede and former Junk Kouture winner Maxim O’Sullivan had their work cut out for them as they picked 30 designs from each of the two regional finals to make up 60 Dublin City Finalists.
Designs were selected from the regions of North, South, South-East, East and West. In the South Region, teams from the Ursuline and Presentation Secondary Schools in Thurles, Borrisokane’s Community College, and St Anne’s in Tipperary Town are going forwards.
Congratulations to the two teams from the Ursuline Secondary School in Thurles, Co. Tipperary, called Race to the Finish, and Vision Zero
Race to the Finish by Anna O’Callaghan, Sophie Quirke and Julia McHugh, of the Ursuline Secondary School, Thurles, was inspired by jockey Rachel Blackmore. The designers used her racing colours and used recycled bailing twine, feed bags and rosettes gathered from various horse yards for the design.
Vision Zero by Christina Whelan, Tara Johnson and Caitlin Cussen, also of the Ursuline, were inspired by the Road Safety Authority’s campaign to eliminate road deaths by 2050. This unique design is crafted from manipulated car seatbelts and Hi-Vis jackets.
“Congratulations to Race to the Finish and Vision Zero, the two Ursuline Junk Kouture entries that have qualified for the National Final after their stunning performances in the Southern Regional Final in the Helix,” said a spokesperson for the Ursuline.
“The school is thrilled to have two very worthy representatives. Best of luck to Tara, Caitlín and Christina with their couturier piece highlighting road safety and Julia, Sophie and Anna with their equestrian themed outfit celebrating women in sport.”
Resplendent by Willow Gleeson, Kelly Morgan and Hannah Farrel, of Borrisokane Community College, was inspired by the endangered bird, the Resplendent Quetzal from South America
My Birthday Suit by Ella Curran, Kate McCarthy and Ruth Moriarty, of the Presentation Secondary School, Thurles, was made from waste accumulated from a lifetime of celebrations, from birthdays to retirements, including helium balloons, weights, banners, streamers, sashes, a tablecloth and candles.
Resplendent by Willow Gleeson, Kelly Morgan and Hannah Farrel, of Borrisokane Community College, was inspired by the endangered bird, the Resplendent Quetzal from South America. The designers chose to emphasise the beauty of this bird to highlight the effects of deforestation globally by repurposing over 10kg of waste plastic.
See Me by Isabel Slattery, of St Anne’s Secondary School, Tipperary Town, was made with the message of staying true to yourself, hi-vis jackets have been quilted and crocheted together to make people, stop, think and see me.
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Junk Kouture Director of Global Events and Production Megan Kelly said: “What a fantastic two nights in the Helix. The atmosphere was incredible. Congratulations to everyone who took part, there was so much creativity and imagination on display. To our 60 Dublin City Finalists, we will see you in May. Thank you to our partners EUROSPAR and all the brilliant educators who help make this all happen.”
The regional finals were hosted by TV and radio presenter Louise Cantillon on Monday and TG4 star Darragh Ó Caoimh, while The Debonairs brought the musical entertainment to the stage. Junk Kouture 2024 is in partnership with supermarket group Eurospar.