Digital Competitions 2021
GETTING
STARTED in 2021
Who can enter?
Junk Kouture is open to all US designers aged 12-18. Entries this year will be submitted digitally with ten finalists qualifying for prizes and a slot in the Digital World Final live stream in June.
The brief
Look around you. Everywhere you see waste, there is opportunity. Materials tell stories; they also make for great fashion. The next decade of fashion designers will need to be more conscious of their source material than ever before, this is your chance to show the world your vision and flare.
Your design can be crafted into any style of wear. The only important rule is that it is made from 100% recycled materials. Be brave, push boundaries, dream of the future you envision this world becoming, then show us through design.

Step 1
DOWNLOAD HANDBOOK
The Handbook is full of all you need to know about starting your Junk Kouture journey.
Step 2
Follow Us
Our social media is full of inspiration and guidance on applying to Junk Kouture.
Step 3
Design
Research designs and techniques. Think about what story you want your piece to tell. Consider what deadstock materials you could find that might capture the world’s attention. A moodboard is a good way to start gathering ideas and inspiration.
Step 4
Apply
Download the JK App and submit your design. Make sure to complete your registration by the closing date.
Downloadthe competition handbook now
For more useful information, tips and guidelines about getting started.


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All important date and qualifying announcementswill be sent via email.
Key Dates
REGISTER A MEMBERACCOUNT ON THE JK APP
NOV 2020
IRISH DIGITAL GRAND FINAL 2020
DEC 2020
GLOBAL DIGITAL 2021 COMPETITION: REGISTRATION OPENS
JAN 25th 2021
GLOBAL DIGITAL 2021 COMPETITION: REGISTRATION CLOSES
19 APR 2021
COMPETITION VOTING WEEK
26 APR – 10 MAY 2021
NATIONAL GRAND FINALIST ANNOUNCEMENTS
24 MAY – 29 MAY
INTERNATIONAL DIGITAL GRAND FINAL
JUN 2021


2021 Junk Kouture WorldDesigner of the Year
2500 Euro Cash Prize + Trip to Abu Dhabi
(4 nights + flights)
The most esteemed Award of all; presented at the Global Digital Final to the entry that the judges deem to be the most extraordinary overall.
2021 Junk Kouture
Designer of the Year USA
2500 Euro Cash Prize + Trip to Abu Dhabi
(4 nights + flights)
The most esteemed Award of all; presented at the Global Digital Final to the entry that the judges deem to be the most extraordinary overall.
2021 Emerging Talent Award
1000 Euro Cash Prize
This award acknowledges the creativity, craftsmanship and originality of an entry submitted by a first-time designer.
2021 Glamour Award
1000 Euro Cash Prize
Awarded to the entry that oozes glamour and sophistication. A design fit for the red carpet and believed to have something that little bit special.
2021 People’s Choice Award
1000 Euro Cash Prize
The crowd’s favourite entry voted by the judges and the fans at home!
2021 Young Designer Award
1000 Euro Cash Prize
Celebrating a remarkable design created by a designer/design team aged 14 or under.
1000 Euro Cash Prize
1000 Euro Cash Prize
The impressive entry that considers the life of the design following the competition and its impact on the environment. Awarded to a circular design that incorporates sustainable practices.
2021 Native Design Award
1000 Euro Cash Prize
The impressive entry that considers the life of the design following the competition and its impact on the environment. Awarded to an entry created using at minimum 85% materials that can be easily separated and readily recycled once its existence is nonessential.
2021 Partnerships Award
1000 Euro Cash Prize
The entry that our main sponsor considers to be the most innovative and daring.
LIVE WORLD FINAL 2022
Abu Dhabi’s Yas Stadium will host the first ever Junk Kouture Live World Final in 2022. Finalists from the 2022 national competitions will compete for the coveted title of JK World Designer of the Year with incredible prizes to be won.
This three day event will be a fusion of the most exciting emerging designers and artists from across the world. We’ll dance, collaborate, and hear from some of the world’s top icons in fashion, sustainability and design.
Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi,
29th September 2022
Calling allcreative filmmakers!
Submit a short film documenting a 2020 design journeyfor your chance to win.