Junk Kouture
RE:MADEA Junk Kouture publication
Voices

From Ireland to Guatemala

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.

By Junk Kouture
September 24, 2026 · 1 min read
From Ireland to Guatemala

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.

Ransacked on stage at Volcano Summit
L-R: Haseena, Troy, Joseph, Isis, Joe
Haseena and Joseph in Guatemala

Share this story

More from RE:MADE

Haseena and her La Voix Du Congo Design
Voices · September 24, 2026 · 1 min read

“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.

Interviews at the Volcano Summit
Voices · September 24, 2026 · 1 min read

“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.”

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.

Miss Mares: Using Creativity to Make Waves
Voices · September 24, 2026 · 1 min read

“A design that highlights how we need to protect our oceans and stop overfishing.”

For Junk Kouture designer Lucia, the story behind Miss Mares continues to make waves beyond the competition. Lucia recently collaborated with Save Our Sprat Bantry Bay, a community and environmental group based in West Cork campaigning for the protection of sprat, a small forage fish that plays an important role in the marine food chain.