La La Lu Veil through to world finals of Junk Kouture

La La Lu Veil by Emilija Milasiute from St Joseph’s Secondary School, Rochfortbridge is one of 10 Junk Kouture designs that will go through to the world finals following the 2025 Dublin City Final, at The Helix on Wednesday, May 7.

Emilija and the other students will represent Ireland at the Junk Kouture World Final to compete alongside students from the UK, USA, France, Italy, and the UAE.

Sixty design teams from schools across the country brought the runway to life with innovative and thought-provoking creations on Wednesday evening.

The audience saw everything from old tents and discarded footballs to high-vis jackets, plastic medical forceps, and scrap metal transformed into extraordinary haute couture.

More than just fashion, the designs were inspired by global issues, as students drew attention to issues such as biodiversity protection, mental health and wellbeing, and responsible consumption and production, all tied to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Junk Kouture continues to provide a platform for youth to creatively amplify their voices and become changemakers in their communities.

The designs were evaluated by a judging panel of experts in sustainability and fashion including Claire Garvey, Irish couture designer, Mariusz Malon, fashion designer and Junk Kouture alumnus and Zeda the Architect aka Oyindamola Animashaun a visual artist, stylist, journalist and producer.

The 10 Junk Kouture World Finalists who will represent Ireland at the 2025 World Final are:

1. La La Lu Veil by Emilija Milasiute from St Joseph’s Secondary School, Co. Westmeath created from plastic milk bottles and plastic packaging straps.

2. Blazing Muse by Isabel Ryder, Niamh Donohoe and Lilly Mangan from Presentation Secondary School, Co. Wexford created from tarpaulin curtain trailer.

3. Venom and Vines by Marija Cernikova, Molly Markey and Anika Beu from Inver College, Co. Monaghan created from crisp pockets.

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

5. Golden Globe by Beth Brady from St Joseph’s Secondary School, Navan , Co. Meath created from Over 1,000 Plastic Surgical Forceps.

6. Carousel Couture by Lauren O’Neill, Alexandra Giltenane and Sarah Kinnnane from Salesian Secondary College, Co. Limerick created from high-vis vests, big bags and pipes.

7. Saline Queen by Aine Carter, Elaine Miller and Kaylah O’Mara from Heywood Community School, Co. Laois created from salt and metal bags.

8. PaperDoll by Isabella McMullin, Darcy Perrot and Louis Bacaeir from Gaelcholáiste Charraig Uí Leighin, Co. Kerry created from paper waste.

9. Gear Glamour by Ellen Chapman, Anna Murphy and Kayla Butler from Ramsgrange Community School, Co. Wexford created from wheel spokers and tyre tubes.

10. Miss Mares by Lucia Revuelta from Elphin Community College, Co. Roscommon created from aluminium cans, sardine tins and foil.

RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player will air the Dublin City Final on Monday May 19 at 7pm.

Viewers can also hear from Clodagh Ramsey, Wilson’s Hospital School, the reigning Junk Kouture World Designer of the Year, on RTÉjr’s climate and nature podcast, Ecolution.

The episode will be available on Spotify and all major podcast platforms on May 14.

Follow along on Instagram and TikTok at to relive the highlights and support the Irish finalists on their journey to the world stage.