'An experience I will treasure for the rest of my life'
Junk Kouture
“It’s an experience that I will treasure for the rest of my life,” says Emilija Milasiute from St Joseph’s Secondary School, Rochfortbridge, following the Junk Kouture 2025 Dublin City Final last week.
Emilija’s design, La La Lu Veil, is one of 10 that made it through to the world finals at the event in The Helix on Wednesday. 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.
Speaking to the Westmeath Examiner after the excitement had calmed, Emilija said: “The day went by very fast, It was extremely intense. I had a chance to meet the judges Claire Garvey, Mariusz Malon, Zeda the Architect, with the RTÉ crew, photographers, and sponsors. I had a chance to catch up with my friends from the semi-finals and make some new ones too! It was amazing!”
She acknowledged the amount of much work done behind the scenes. “People work so hard so that this event could happen. They’re so professional with their work and it’s so rewarding for me as a student to be part of it.
“When I got into the show, my goal was to make the most of my experience, making new memories and to enjoy every minute.
“So when all the finalists were at the back awaiting the results, and the first name they called was my design name, La La Lu Veil, I was overcome with a ton of emotions. I don’t think anything could prepare someone for that!
“I’m just so grateful that I have a chance to experience this.
“I still haven’t chosen my career path but I know that no matter where I am or what happens next, art will always be with me. I’ll never stop creating because that’s just the way I am.
“I feel so happy using my art to spread the message of being more responsible with consumption and production and to bring awareness to climate change.
“Right now my plan is to prepare and focus for the Leaving Cert exam, to do the best I can and keep a positive mindset.”
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).
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, Rochfortbridge, created from plastic milk bottles and plastic packaging straps.
2. Blazing Muse by Isabel Ryder, Niamh Donohoe and Lilly Mangan from Presentation Secondary School, County Wexford, created from tarpaulin curtain trailer.
3. Venom and Vines by Marija Cernikova, Molly Markey and Anika Beu from Inver College, County Monaghan, created from crisp pockets.
4. Blueprint by Erin Roche, Muireann Lowry and Hannah Higgins from Moate Community School, created from single use medical jackets.
5. Golden Globe by Beth Brady from St Joseph’s Secondary School, Navan, created from 1,000 Plastic Surgical Forceps.
6. Carousel Couture by Lauren O’Neill, Alexandra Giltenane and Sarah Kinnnane from Salesian Secondary College, County 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, County Laois, created from salt and metal bags.
8. PaperDoll by Isabella McMullin, Darcy Perrot and Louis Bacaeir from Gaelcholáiste Charraig Uí Leighin, County Kerry, created from paper waste.
9. Gear Glamour by Ellen Chapman, Anna Murphy and Kayla Butler from Ramsgrange Community School, County Wexford, created from wheel spokers and tyre tubes.
10. Miss Mares by Lucia Revuelta from Elphin Community College, County 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.