About Junk Kouture
Wear your imagination
Junk Kouture is a global creative platform for young people aged 12-19, combining creativity, sustainability, innovation and self-expression
The idea is simple: take materials that would otherwise be thrown away and turn them into something completely new. Students design and create wearable pieces from 100% recycled materials, developing skills in problem-solving, teamwork, communication and creative thinking along the way. What began in Ireland in 2010 has grown into a global programme, giving young people from Ireland and around the world the opportunity to take part in Junk Kouture.
Our story
Junk Kouture began in Donegal, Ireland, in 2010, founded by Troy Armour with an idea that would go on to reach young people around the world.
From the beginning, the aim was to give young people a creative outlet where their ideas could be celebrated, while encouraging them to think differently about waste and the materials around them.
The first competitions took place across Ireland, with students progressing from regional events to a national final in Dublin. As participation grew, so did the scale of the competition, from smaller venues to theatres and major live events.
Over the years, thousands of young people have taken part, transforming everything from plastic bottles and electrical cables to cardboard, cans, fabric offcuts and everyday household waste into extraordinary designs.
What started in Donegal has grown into a global community of young creators, educators and supporters, united by creativity, circular thinking and a belief in the potential of the next generation.
Our mission
We use creativity to empower young people, building confidence, developing future-ready skills and inspiring them to think differently about waste and the world around them.
Junk Kouture is about much more than the finished design.
Through the creative process, young people develop an idea, source and reimagine materials, experiment, problem-solve, collaborate and learn how to bring their vision to life.
For many, it is also an opportunity to step outside their comfort zone. To lead a project, speak about their ideas, take to a stage or see their creativity recognised and celebrated.
Along the way, they build confidence and develop skills in creativity, communication, collaboration and problem-solving that can stay with them long after the competition ends.
At the heart of Junk Kouture is a simple belief: young people’s ideas have value, and creativity can be a powerful force for positive change.
Our impact
For 16 years, Junk Kouture has given young people a platform to explore their creativity, build confidence and think differently about the world around them.
84% rate Junk Kouture as their favourite lesson in school 80% report increased confidence 90% report increased environmental awareness 100K+ social community 16 years of creativity, education and impact
From Ireland to the World
What began in Donegal has grown into a global platform for young creativity. Young people from Ireland, the UK, France, Italy, the USA, the UAE and beyond have taken part in Junk Kouture.
For 2026–27, Global Entry opens the competition to eligible young people in even more countries, creating an online pathway with the opportunity to progress to the Junk Kouture World Final.
Creativity with Purpose
Sustainability has always been at the heart of Junk Kouture. Young people are challenged to look at materials differently and explore how something unwanted or discarded can be reused, repurposed and reimagined.
Through their designs, participants put circular thinking into practice.
Sustainability isn't simply something they learn about. It's something they create with.
Future Leaders
For many participants, the Junk Kouture journey continues beyond the competition.
Our growing Future Leaders Network keeps alumni connected and creates opportunities through industry experiences, events, mentorship and career development as they take their next steps.
Looking Ahead
Sixteen years on, Junk Kouture continues to evolve, but our purpose remains the same: to give young people a platform where their ideas matter, their creativity is celebrated and they can discover what they are capable of.
As Junk Kouture reaches more schools, communities and countries around the world, we want even more young people to have that opportunity.
From Donegal to the world, we're only getting started.
