Sweet 16: Junk Kouture celebrates 16 years in Ireland As EUROSPAR returns as headline sponsor of Junk Kouture

Sweet 16: Junk Kouture celebrates 16 years in Ireland

As EUROSPAR returns as headline sponsor of Junk Kouture

EUROSPAR Supermarkets to support 10 Irish Junk Kouture teams at Junk Kouture World Final on Tuesday 24^th February in the Helix, Dublin – tickets on sale Friday!

As Junk Kouture celebrates 16 years of fostering the sustainable, creative talent of 12-19-year-olds from Ireland and further afield, 60 design teams from around the globe will make their way to Dublin next month for the Junk Kouture Festival of Creativity and Circularity on 23rd – 25th February, with EUROSPAR supporting the finalists from Ireland at the Junk Kouture World Final on 24th February in the Helix, DCU – showcasing Ireland’s pivotal role in promoting youth creativity and circular innovation.

Selected from the 2024 – 2025 cycle of Junk Kouture, the hopeful teams from Ireland, the UK, France, Italy, the USA, and the UAE will present breathtaking couture designs made entirely from recycled materials; expect jaw-dropping innovation and craftsmanship as these young designers compete for the coveted World Designer of the Year title. The designs will be evaluated by a prestigious judging panel of experts in sustainability, fashion, education, and entertainment. Tickets are on sale Friday 23rd January, available from www.thehelix.ie starting at €50.

And it’s with great excitement that Junk Kouture confirms it is partnering with Supereasy Supermarket group EUROSPAR for a fourth year. Much like Junk Kouture, EUROSPAR retailers are at the heart of local communities across Ireland with 53 locally owned supermarkets which help Junk Kouture spread its all-important message of living sustainably.

Building on the relationship established in 2023, 2024 and 2025, EUROSPAR return as headline sponsor for the Irish competition in 2026, including supporting the Irish team at the upcoming World Final in Dublin on Tuesday 24^th February. EUROSPAR will also sponsor the 2026 cycle of Junk Kouture, which kicks off with Irish regional finals in the Helix on 9^th, 10^th and 11^th of March and continues with the Dublin City Final in May.

 

Junk Kouture designs were on hand at one of EUROSPAR’s newest supermarkets in Bryanstown, Co Louth to celebrate the renewal of their partnership and the reveal of the all-important Junk Kouture dates!

Marketing Manager of EUROSPAR Claire O’Brien comments: “We’re thrilled to continue our support of Junk Kouture for yet another year. Responsible Retailing is at the heart of what we do at EUROSPAR, and our retailers take real pride in giving back to the communities they serve. Partnering with Junk Kouture is a perfect reflection of that commitment. We’re particularly excited to stand behind local schools once again as they take on this creative and inspiring journey.”

CEO of Junk Kouture Troy Armour says: “It’s fantastic to have such a well-known and trusted brand like EUROSPAR back on board for a fourth year at Junk Kouture. We are delighted to have the support of EUROSPAR Supermarkets and their 53 locally owned retailers in Ireland to help deliver our message of sustainability from schools to stores.”

Ends

For media requests, contact:

Lindsey – [email protected]

Sorcha – [email protected]

Notes to editor:

Information on designs in shoot –

Kosmic Kouture (Dublin City Finalist 2025)
Ardee Community School

Designed by students Taylor Coyle, Anna Callaghan and Sabrina Sirbu under the guidance of teacher Neassa Kavanagh, Kosmic Kouture highlights the impact of light pollution on humans, wildlife and our connection to the night sky, aligning with SDG 15: Life on Land. Inspired by the beauty of space, the design uses discarded materials including bin bags, parcel packaging, chicken wire, baubles, plywood and an old dog harness to create a striking sculptural look. The project celebrates creativity, sustainability and teamwork, while encouraging awareness of how artificial light affects both the planet and our wellbeing.

Golden Globe (World Finalist)
St Joseph’s Secondary School, Navan

Created by student Beth Brady under the guidance of teacher Lisa Connolly, Golden Globe is a striking two-piece design made from over 1,000 unused plastic surgical forceps and medical bandage remnants donated by local clinics. Inspired by the Bricktionary Exhibition and the work of designers Alexander McQueen and Philip Treacy, the all-gold ensemble symbolises the urgent need for global sustainability standards. Reworked charity-shop garments, recycled plastics and construction waste are transformed into an elegant Met Gala–inspired look, highlighting the impact of plastic pollution and the importance of moving towards a circular economy. The modular headpiece represents hope and global collaboration in achieving the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Blazing Muse (World Finalist)
Presentation Secondary School Wexford

Created by students Lily Mangan, Isabel Ryder and Niamh Donohoe under the guidance of teacher Lydia Murphy, Blazing Muse is inspired by waste generated within the transport industry. The design is made entirely from a discarded tarpaulin trailer curtain sourced from a local transport company, a material typically thrown away once damaged. By working with a single reclaimed material, the designers highlight its versatility and potential for reuse. Influenced by Jean Paul Gaultier’s Spring 2010 collection, the piece demonstrates how industrial waste can be transformed into a bold and contemporary fashion statement.

Venom and Vines (World Finalist)
Inver College, Monaghan

Created by students Marija Cernikova, Molly Markey and Anika Beu under the guidance of teacher Emma Burns, Venom and Vines is inspired by Medusa and symbolises women’s journey toward equality and empowerment. Using discarded materials including crisp packets, wire, tissue paper, foil and a pool noodle, the design explores themes of resilience, reflection and transformation. The mirrored quality of the crisp packets references Medusa’s shield, encouraging society to challenge harmful stereotypes, while flowers and vines represent both the struggles women face and their capacity to grow, rise and thrive when given equal opportunities.