Beth strikes Gold... Navan student wins innovation award at Junk Kouture World Finals

Beth Brady of St Joseph’s Secondary School, Navan, has won the Innovation Award at the Junk Kouture World Finals for her design, Golden Globe, created from more than 1,000 discarded plastic surgical forceps and clinic waste.

Representing both her school and Co Meath on the international stage, Beth impressed judges with the striking two-piece ensemble, which reimagined single-use medical materials as structured couture.

Inspired by Ryan McNaught’s Bricktionary exhibition and Philip Treacy’s iconic headwear, Golden Globe is a striking two-piece design crafted from over 1,000 discarded plastic surgical forceps and clinic waste. By transforming medical materials into high-impact fashion, the piece challenges perceptions of waste while spotlighting reuse, innovation, and responsible production.

The Junk Kouture World Finals were held at The Helix on DCU’s campus in Dublin as part of the Junk Kouture Festival of Creativity and Circularity. Now in its 16th year, the competition brought together 60 finalist teams, with each design required to align with at least one UN Sustainable Development Goal. Entries were assessed by a panel of experts in fashion, sustainability and design.

Beth’s project reflects the principles of UN Sustainable Development Goal three, which focuses on good health and well-being, and UN Sustainable Development Goal 12, centred on responsible consumption and production.

The Innovation Award powered by EUROSPAR was presented by Claire O’Brien, Marketing Manager at EUROSPAR, recognising the originality of Beth’s concept and the technical execution of her finished piece.

Her success marks a significant achievement for St Joseph’s Secondary School and places Navan firmly on the map at this year’s Junk Kouture World Finals.