Voices

From New York to Guatemala 🌎

For Isis Madeira, Junk Kouture’s 2022 New York Designer of the Year, the Volcano Summit in Guatemala was an opportunity to reconnect with Latin America while sharing her creativity on an international stage. Now an FIT graduate and fashion designer, Isis joined the Summit alongside the Junk Kouture community and had the opportunity to talk about her own journey. “As a Brazilian, it fills me with joy to engage in events like the Volcano Summit, which brings light to Latin America and allows me to meet people who can teach me about the growing world. I’m beyond honoured to have shared a piece of mine on stage as well.” From Junk Kouture in New York to graduating from FIT and continuing to develop her own work, Isis’s journey is another example of where creativity can lead.

By Junk Kouture

September 9, 2026

Isis on stage with Junk Kouture CEO Troy Armour

L-R: Haseena, Troy, Joseph, Isis and Joe

Share this story

More from RE:MADE

Voices · September 10, 2026

“I’m so grateful I got the chance to show my work on stage at the Volcano Summit and to be one of the voices speaking up for Congo”

For Haseena Atariwa, New York-based designer, Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) student and STEAM Award winner at the 2024 Junk Kouture World Final, travelling to Guatemala for the Volcano Summit was an opportunity to share her work, connect with new people and use her voice on an international stage. Haseena showcased her La Voix Du Congo design at the Summit, while also learning more about the humanitarian crisis in Congo and the millions of people affected by displacement. “Guatemala was one of the most beautiful places I’ve travelled to so far. I’m so grateful I got the chance to show my work on stage at the Volcano Summit and to be one of the voices speaking up for Congo.” The experience also brought new connections, friendships and inspiration, all of which giving Haseena even greater confidence in what her future could hold. From the Junk Kouture World Final to FIT and now Guatemala, Haseena continues to take her creativity, curiosity and voice far beyond the competition stage.

Voices · September 8, 2026

“It really opened my heart and mind to the possibilities that all of us have.”

For current Junk Kouture World Finalist Joseph Monaghan, creator of Ransacked, a recent trip to Guatemala for the Volcano Summit became a powerful moment of reflection. Just before travelling, Joseph had been in Leeds meeting with his neurosurgeon and medical team, reflecting on the challenges he has faced and how different his future might once have looked. To go from that appointment to representing Junk Kouture in Guatemala was, in Joseph’s words, a “transformative experience”, and a chance to recognise just how far his journey has already taken him. “It really opened my heart and mind to the possibilities that all of us have.” With the Junk Kouture World Final still ahead, Joseph’s journey with Ransacked continues.

People · September 7, 2026

“Roisin has been busy growing SoRoe, with DHL supporting the logistics behind the brand as it continues to develop and reach new audiences.”

From Junk Kouture designer to founder of SoRoe Design, it’s been fantastic to continue following Roisin Heffernan’s journey beyond the Junk Kouture stage. A few months into Full Circle Fashion: Delivered, our initiative with DHL Express Ireland, Roisin has been busy growing SoRoe, with DHL supporting the logistics behind the brand as it continues to develop and reach new audiences. And there’s another exciting milestone just around the corner... Next month, Roisin and SoRoe return to Ireland Fashion Week, following the brand’s runway debut in 2025. Having also returned to Junk Kouture as a judge earlier this year, Roisin’s journey is a brilliant example of how creativity can continue to evolve long after the competition ends, from young designer to building a brand of her own. We can’t wait to see what she brings to the runway next. Full Circle Fashion: Delivered Celebrating Irish Design. Supporting Creative Futures. #JKAlumni #JunkKouture #SoRoeDesign