Longford students dream of traveling to Abu Dhabi for Junk Kouture World Finals

I am extremely proud and honored that two Longford students, accompanied by their teachers, will represent Team Ireland at the first ever Junk Kouture World Finals.

The huge event will take place at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, January 11 at 7pm local time, and the list of the world’s trash fashion designers will be revealed that evening.

Solomon Eduard and Joshua Osabuehien from Cnoc Mhuire Granard and their teacher Charmaine Hetherton will fly to Abu Dhabi on Sunday 8 January with Etihad Airways, along with others from Dublin, London, Paris, Milan, New York and Abu Dhabi The 60 finalists competed against each other for Zabi.

They are scheduled to return on Friday, January 13th. Two former Cnoc Mhuire school secretaries Anne Kenny and Lorraine McCabe also traveled to the final as supporters.

Junk Kouture is a competition for middle school students who are asked to create weird and wonderful outfits made entirely from scrap.

Called Back to the Future, Solomon and Joshua’s design is made from old shower mats, old laundry baskets, aerials, car wipers and old tractor tire tubes.

Their designs have an industrial look and are highly creative. The message behind their clothing is that we all need to strive to live more sustainably if our planet is to have any chance of surviving.

Ms Hetherton commented: “This is truly a great achievement for Solomon and Joshua and they would like to thank Junk Kouture for this incredible opportunity and experience thus far.”

Cnoc Mhuire teacher Ryan Plunkett added: “This is a huge opportunity for Solomon and Joshua who have already achieved a lot by reaching the World Finals. They and their teacher Charmaine Hetherton are doing a great job. Every Cnoc Mhuire Personally wish the children and Ms Hetherton the best of luck.”

Mr Plunkett said one concern ahead of the Abu Dhabi final was the safe transport of the Back to the Future costumes. He explained, “Everyone has 20kg to ship the garment, so hopefully it won’t be too difficult to pack. The antenna on the front of the garment may need to be split in two and rebuilt there.”