Chalk Talk Gallery: Athboy Community School students showcase sustainable fashion with Junk Kouture

Aishling Monaghan

Students from Athboy Community School have entered this year's Junk Kouture programme, the global youth fashion competition that challenges secondary school students to create high-fashion couture using 100% recycled materials.

Junk Kouture, now in its 16th year, promotes creativity, engineering and environmental awareness by encouraging young people aged 12–19 to transform everyday “junk” into wearable works of art, inspired by the principles of the circular economy.

At Athboy CS, the Junk Kouture module was delivered to Transition Year students by Mr Kington, Ms Monaghan and Ms King, with a total of 18 students taking part this year. Students recently completed their official competition photoshoot and video shoot, marking an important milestone in their Junk Kouture journey.

One design team, Savanagh Reilly, Isobel Canty and Erin Melligan, created a striking piece titled ‘ReBloom’, inspired by the impact of plastic pollution on the natural world. Their design symbolises giving plastic a second chance and explores what nature could become if plastic pollution continues unchecked. Materials used included Junior Certificate Art examination bags, plastic shopping bags and plastic bottles.

Another team, Isabelle O’Rourke, Daniela Ayezuwa and Helena Ní Fhearrchaidh, presented a powerful design called ‘Wings of War’, based on the theme of conflict. Their creation featured poppy flowers made from egg cartons, wings constructed from cardboard and newspaper, and a full skirt made entirely from newspaper.

Junk Kouture continues to provide students with a unique platform to express themselves creatively while engaging with important global issues such as sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Congratulations are extended to all students who took part this year. Their hard work and imagination resulted in impressive designs that reflect the true spirit of Junk Kouture.

Athboy CS students will be tuning in next Thursday at 7pm as Junk Kouture reveals the results via its Instagram platform.

The Junk Kouture 2026 festival will take place in Dublin from 23rd - 25th February, celebrating young designers from around the world who create high-fashion couture using 100% recycled materials. The event will see 10 Irish teams compete on the world stage, culminating in the Junk Kouture World Final on 24th February, where the World Designer of the Year title will be awarded.