The Junk Kouture Dublin City Final 2026 delivered a spectacular evening of creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation, as outstanding student designs from all over Ireland took to the runway of The Helix, on Wednesday.
The event brought together families, supporters, educators, industry guests, and partners for a high-energy showcase of young design talent, with each finalist presenting a one-of-a-kind creation made entirely from recycled and repurposed materials. In total, 69 designs from all over Ireland took part in the Final, with EUROSPAR’s nine Golden Ticket recipients joining the 60 teams initially announced during the Regional Finals.
The judging panel for the Dublin City Final 2026 featured Irish couture designer, Claire Garvey; fashion designer and Junk Kouture alumna, Roisin Heffernan; and Junk Kouture founder, Troy Armour, who evaluated each design on originality, materials, craftsmanship, and overall presentation. Their expertise and insight played a key role in recognising the exceptional standard of work on display.
After a momentous display on stage, the judging panel selected 12 designs to represent Ireland in the 2026 Junk Kouture World Final. Those selected were:
Ransacked – Newport College
Tiger Stripes – Mount Sackville Secondary School, Chapelizod
Before the Pond Runs Dry – St. Anne’s Secondary School Tipperary
Eco Aviator – St Leo’s College, Carlow
Blind Ambition – Carndonagh Community School
Garden of Eden – Sancta Maria College, Louisburgh
Net-Zero – Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí, Tralee
Better Denim All – Sandford Park School, Ranelagh
Carnaval Reborn – Coláiste Nano Nagle, Limerick
Tír Gan Teanga, Tír Gan Anam – Bailieborough Community School
No Place of Honour – Kildare Town Community School
Alternative Route – Cnoc Mhuire, Granard
Speaking after the event, Megan Kelly, Director of Global Events – Junk Kouture, said:
“The quality of work on display at this year’s Dublin City Final was exceptional. These young designers are using creativity as a force for change, and every piece on the runway reflected imagination, purpose, and technical skill. We are incredibly proud of all finalists, and so excited to have our World Finalists selected.
“A huge thank you must go to the schools and educators that continue to bring the programme to classrooms all over Ireland, enabling students to express themselves and celebrate their own creativity through fashion.”
This year’s Dublin City Final was proudly supported by Headline Partner for Ireland EUROSPAR and Logistics Partner DHL, whose partnerships helped bring the event to life and shine a spotlight on the next generation of creative talent. Their involvement reflects a shared commitment to sustainability, education, and youth empowerment. In addition, Vision Ireland, Junk Kouture’s charity partner, continues to play a key role in championing inclusion and social impact throughout the programme.
