New fashion competition aims to make young people more eco aware

A new fashion competition aimed at encouraging secondary students to reuse clothes and reduce their impact on the environment was launched recently by Cathaoirleach Paddy Hill in St Joseph’s Secondary School, Rochfortbridge.

The fashion and textile industry is one of the most polluting industries and contributes to 10% of all greenhouse gases. Extending the lifespan of our clothing can reduce the environmental impacts by up to 60%.

Relove Fashion is a competition to encourage students to take a deeper look at clothing and to explore creative reuse options such as upcycling, repairs, alterations and mending.

It has been created by Westmeath County Council (in conjunction with Dublin City, Meath, Wicklow Local Authorities and the Rediscovery Centre in Ballymun) to give students an opportunity to use their clothes design and repair skills and demonstrate their love for making their own fashion statement. It’s about creating an outfit that they would enjoy wearing.

Cathaoirleach Paddy Hill stated that he was delighted to launch this competition focused on sustainable fashion.

“Students are very aware of their environment and are very influential – they create awareness and demonstrate actions to show how easy it can be to make a change in our way of thinking that can positively impact on our environment,” said Cllr Hill.

“Those intending to enter the competition should source clothing from a charity shop, swapshop or reuse items already in their home,” stated Ruth Maxwell, Environment Department, Westmeath County Council.

“All regional finalists will be invited to attend a fashion showcase hosted at the Rediscovery Centre where the outfits will be displayed and judged by professionals in the sustainability and environmental sector”.

All regional finalists will receive a school tour and workshop at the Rediscovery Centre and the overall winner will receive a fashion design pack to the value of €1,000 including trophy, tools, equipment and mentoring for the student’s school.

Interested students have to register September 27, while the submission deadline is October 25. County finalists will be announced on November 7, while the final will be on November 21.