La La Lu Veil makes Junk Kouture final in Dublin

The designer of a Junk Kouture entry from St Joseph’s Secondary School, Rochfortbridge wanted to materials that we are familiar with in everyday life, she told the Westmeath Examiner this week.

Speaking ahead of the Dublin City Final of Junk Kouture at the Helix on Wednesday, May 7, Emilija Milasiute, whose creation is La La Lu Veil used plastic milk bottles and plastic packaging straps in it.

“Junk Kouture has always been a big thing for me, and as I’m in my final year in St Josephs, I wanted to make a good go of it this year.

“I wanted to use something that we use in our daily lives, so I chose milk bottles for this design, as they are so easily accessible.

“I gathered the bottles, washed and processed them and cut them all into little shamrock shapes, which was all really hard to balance as I am in sixth year.

“It was a really rewarding experience, but there were times when I wanted to quit, just with the stresses of sixth year and exams.

“Knowing myself and how much time and effort I put into this project, I wanted to finish it, and I’m delighted to be getting to the finals now.”

Emilija’s is one of four designs from Westmeath schools that will compete in Dublin this week

The county has a strong record in the competition, including the global success of Wilson’s Hospital School student Clodagh Ramsey, who won Designer of the Year for 2024.

The Westmeath teams and their projects at this year’s final are: ‘News Spreads’ by Maeve Murphy and Eve Carey from Athlone Community College, created from unsold newspapers and old bed sheets.

Blueprint by Erin Roche, Muireann Lowry and Hannah Higgins from Moate Community School was created from single-use medical jackets.

Pay atTENTion by Lucy Hamilton and Niall Maxwell from Moate Community School was created from waste tents and zips from tents.

The Junk Kouture 2025 Dublin City Final will air on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player on May 19.