Junk Kouture is making a splash stateside winning a global award and Irish designs appearing on American TV news.
The Irish platform which celebrates youth creativity and sustainability received the Ocean Hero Award at Footprint Sustainability Summit in Phoenix, Arizona this month.
Junk Kouture creations have been modelled everywhere from Climate Week NYC and Cannes Film Festival to onstage at 3Arena Dublin.
Best known for encouraging post-primary school students to turn everyday rubbish into wearable fashion for the last 11 years, they’ve now gone global.
The prestigious Ocean Hero Award recognizes innovators who are creating a healthier planet and positively affecting the environment on a global scale.
Founder and CEO of the Footprint Sustainability Summit Troy Swope applauded Junk Kouture’s innovative use of fashion, art and design to inspire young people to embrace sustainable habits and become the changemakers of our world.
Junk Kouture has recently launched into five new territories – London, New York, Paris, Milan and Abu Dhabi - in addition to its first home in Dublin, with further international expansion coming later in 2022 and 2023 including on the west coast of America.
There was further excitement when nine Junk Kouture designs took part in the half-time show of the NBA game Phoenix Suns vs Milwaukee Bucks at the Footprint Centre in Phoenix.
Designs modelled were ‘Divoc-91’ by students at Presentation Secondary School, Thurles, Co Tipperary made from blister packs and injection holders.
Then there was ‘Generation Fade’ by students at Colaiste Nano Nagle, Limerick made from inner tyre tubing and electric wire.
Another innovative concept was ‘Fight the Flame by students at Sacred Heart School, Tullamore, Co Offaly made from fire hoses, ‘Attire’ by students in Moate Community School, Co Westmeath was made from bicycle tubing.
‘Truth Lies Within’ made by students at Scoil Chriost Ri, Portlaoise, Co Laois from crocheted twine and leather, and ‘Inside Out’ made by students at St Louis Grammar School, Ballymena, Co Antrim from ripped tights, stockings and pop socks.
