Aoife Kehoe wearing a dress called ‘Cry me a River) at the Colaiste Bríde Transition Year Fashion Show 2015
YOU KNOW it’s not your average catwalk when the models are sporting dresses made from fire hoses, clay pigeons, hurleys, smashed china crockery and thousands of bun cases.
But the Junk Kouture competition, which took place in Coláiste Bríde, Enniscorthy on Wednesday evening, is no ordinary fashion show.
The contest challenges teenagers to create high-end wearable fashion from everyday junk that would normally find its way into the bin – inspiring creativity while at the same time subtly educating them about the importance of recycling and reusing waste.
Coláiste Bríde is no stranger to Junk Kouture, having been involved and achieving great success since 2010, with technology-based creation Lady Data crowned the All-Ireland winner in 2012.
On Wednesday, the TY students put on two spectacular shows to display their latest designs – at an earlier time for fellow school-goers and in the evening for parents, friends and judges.
Teachers Ms.McEvoy and Ms. Duggan welcomed the panel of judges, Frances White, creator with Bui Bolg, Blackwater milliner Alice J. Kelly and Siobhan Keane of Vintage Belle Clothes and thanked everyone for their help in putting the show together, including Principal Ms. O’Sullivan, Ms. McConville and TY co-ordinator Ms. Whelan.
Ms. McEvoy said it was a pleasure to work with the 81 transition year students on their designs since September, and said she hopes the school will travel to The Helix in Dublin once more this year to cheer the girls on in the final in March.
“It’s a whole school effort and we hope we can put on a show worthy of all the work that’s gone into it,” she added.
Ms. McEvoy needn’t have worried – the sheer talent and imagination on display was awe-inspiring.
Each group of designers chose a model to sell the dress to the audience with dance moves and dramatic gestures, and of the 28 creations it was near-impossible to pick a favourite from the memorable performances.
Full story and photos in this week’s Echo.
