IN PICTURES: Laois schools to dominate the stage at 2025 Junk Kouture Finals

With over 1200 entries to the Junk Kouture 2025 competition, five Laois schools have qualified for this year’s Regional Finals.

Mountrath Community School, Mountmellick Community School, Heywood Community School, Scoil Chríost Rí Portlaoise and Coláiste Íosagáin Portarlington will take to the Helix in Dublin on March 4 and 5 to showcase their stunning creations.

This international competition sees students design and model their own creations made from recycled materials. 

Mountrath CS will see two costumes in the regional finals.

'Ripped to glory' is by students Ava Hogan, Kate Lalor Fitzpatrick and Sarah Lalor. Their idea is based on how much denim is produced and sold each year.

Pictured: 'Ripped to Glory' by Ava Hogan, Kate Lalor Fitzpatrick and Sarah Lalor.

“With fashions and styles always changing, denim is constantly being thrown out or seen as out of style,” art teacher Therese McGrath explained.

“They decided to create a jump suit out of old denims that people don't want anymore. They cut out multilayered individual flowers and hand sowed them on. 

The second costume, 'Red Bull Gives You Wings', was created by Niamh Lalor, Elisha Gilligan and Bríd Delaney. Their costumes are made from papier-machéd discarded farmers journals, discarded silage wrap, wire and bail netting.

“The team spent a long time cleaning and preparing all the materials,” Ms McGrath said.

Pictured: 'Red Bull Gives You Wings' by Niamh Lalor, Elisha Gilligan and Bríd Delaney.

“Their idea is symbolic of the level of energy farmers need to put into their job. Both teams have worked tirelessly all year to create these pieces. They have worked extremely hard and deserve all they have achieved,” she finished.

Heywood Community School will exhibit their costume ‘Saline Queen’, designed by Aine Carter, Kaylah O'Mara and Elaine Miller.

See more pictures: Heywood students shine bright in school musical

This dress is inspired by the endless battle against plastic waste and pollution. The students chose this design to highlight the impact of plastic waste in both the sea and land. 

The name Saline, which is a salt and water solution, came from the use of salt bags coupled with the mermaid dress design. 

Pictured: 'Saline Queen' by Aine Carter, Kaylah O'Mara and Elaine Miller.

Scoil Chríost Rí Portlaoise have expressed that they are  ‘incredibly proud’ of the team and their teachers who have shown great dedication and creativity in the design of their outfit.

The design, ‘Raying Waters’, was created by Isabelle Browne, Chiamaka Echegiri, and Mia Lewis Phelan.

Art teachers Ciara Connolly and Maria Wright have said that ‘they couldn’t be prouder’ of the students’ efforts.

“The girls dedicated themselves to creating their design, "Raying Waters," which focuses on enhancing our environment,” Ms Connolly said.

“This perfectly aligns with our school's ethos and the sustainability goals of the Junk Kouture competition. Their outfit is inspired by the issue of overfishing, utilising recycled materials such as old jeans, a bedsheet, and a sports jacket to highlight the necessity of sustainable fishing practices,” she said.

Pictured: 'Raying Waters' by Isabelle Browne, Chiamaka Echegiri, and Mia Lewis Phelan.

“The design features aquatic motifs, including fishing nets, hooks, and clocks on the skirt to symbolise the urgency for change. 

Through these artistic elements, the team aims to raise awareness about the impact of overfishing on marine ecosystems and promote accountability among fishers,” Ms Connolly finished.

Mountmellick CS student Hannah Gowing worked tirelessly with art teacher Maryse Lennon on her design, ‘Threads of Contrast’.

“I go to Mountmellick cs and am a TY student,” Ms Gowing explained. 

“I was selected to compete with nine other teams but was the only one from my school selected for the regional finals, along with 78 other teams over the 6th and 5th March. 

“The theme of my dress is how big industry prioritises profits and production costs over environmental impact, which needs to change. My dress is made with hemp sacks, fake leather, aluminum cans and tabs, nuts and bolts, tape and charity clothing,” she said.

Pictured:  ‘Threads of Contrast’ by 16 year old Hannah Gowing

The student’s dress is split in two halves: one side made from materials that have a high environmental cost to produce, while the other side is made from materials that have a light environmental impact. 

Art teacher Maryse Lennon praised Ms Gowing for her hard work.

“It is always bitter sweet to only get one team through when all the transition year JK teams worked so hard all year!” she said.

“But Hannah definitely deserved a place, she is a one woman operation, designing, making and modelling! We are all very proud of her,” she said.

"The Junk Kouture competition in Ireland challenges participants to transform discarded and recycled materials into wearable, high-fashion creations. Contestants showcase their creativity and commitment to sustainability by repurposing everyday waste into striking couture pieces," the art teacher said.

"The event not only highlights innovative design but also promotes environmental awareness through the art of upcycling, creating a vibrant platform for emerging talent," Ms Lennon finished.

Colaiste Iosagain in Portarlington have qualified with their costume, ‘Picture Perfect’.

See more pictures: Coláiste Íosagáin students stun at school Debs

Isabelle Roberts , Freya O'Shaughnessy and Amelia Allen formed their 'Picture Perfect' outfit by carefully crafting flowers from kitchen towel and painting them.

Pictured: 'Picture Perfect' by Isabelle Roberts , Freya O'Shaughnessy and Amelia Allen

They structured their skirt by melting left over plastic and manipulating clothes hangers. They then attached them to a belt. Finally, they created their rustic photo frame by using leftover cardboard. To finish their piece, they attached fairy lights to their skirt to add a fairytale effect to their outfit. 

“A special thanks goes to their teachers, Caoimhe O'Connor, Ann Marie Whelehan and Roxanne McGee for all their hard work and dedication guiding these students,” the school finished.

Keep an eye on the Leinster Express / Laois Live school page for more on the Junk Kouture 2025 Regional Finals.

See more: Laois TY students compete in Junk Kouture final