Junk Kouture finalists inspired by Frida’s flair
Going to Paris is the big dream. But two east Cavan girls have already achieved so much by making it to the Junk Kouture national finals yesterday (Wednesday) in The Helix in Dublin. Simply by reusing materials that had been dumped and taking inspiration from one of their favourite artists Frida Kahlo.
The two Bailieborough Community School TY students, Keira Rogers and Kyra O’Reilly, entered this year’s sustainable fashion competition, where participants design, create and model fashion, made from recycled items. Since 2022, it has been an international competition with the global final taking place in one of the world’s fashion capitals.
The 16 year olds have been friends since their second year. With an interest in make-up and work experience with a tattoo artist, Keira had always wanted to participate in the Junk Couture competition. Kyra, who is considering a career in design, happily joined.
The two students admire Frida Kahlo's feminist thoughts and the impact she had as a female artist. In honour of her heritage, they decided to weave a skirt in the traditional Mexican technique with chenille. With the help of their teacher Eileen Mooney they learned how to operate the loom. “It wasn’t easy, because of all the layers”, admitted Keira.
“We youtubed the technique as well, and weaved the skirt from scratch. We made a few mistakes, but we got there in the end.”
What began with multiple drawings and discarded sketches has evolved into a colourful, intricate garment that was chosen by expert judges from fashion, TV, design and make-up professions for the final round in Ireland. Seeing their “vision come to life” over months of meticulous work was “an amazing experience”, said Kyra who will model the outfit on the presentation night.
“You can even dance in it!”, Kyra said excitedly. Wearability of recycled clothing is an important aspect for them. “We wanted to highlight that fast fashion and the waste of resources are bad for the planet.”
She regularly peruses the charity shops for special finds. “Even if a pair of jeans is too big or small, it is so easy to cater them to your liking or recreate entirely.”
That experience stood to them during the Junk Kouture process.
The skirt’s layers express as much thought as craftmanship - something the judges noted and will hopefully get them the ticket to Paris.
The vibrant top dons a lion head Keira made from wire, paper mâché and shredded scraps of clothes. The denim boots they found in a charity shop were decorated with handpainted, crafted animals and sparkling gems. An old rug was redesigned into a handbag. It also carries silver sprayed animal features, embracing the macabre of the Mexican Day of the Dead: "This is a real rabbit skull we found."
Finally, "bringing Frida into the hair and Make-up" meant thick dark plaits and flowers. For the face, Keira painted a tucan engulfed in tropical plants.
Keira and Kyra are "buzzing" with excitement for the finals yesterday (Wednesday) but just missed out on one of the top prizes.
"It is a bit terrifying, but it is so great and inspiring to meet all the like-minded people there."
They were joined by Shannon Donegan, Philipa Lonmore and Cara McBride from Eureka Secondary School; as well as Ava Sheridan, Katie Steele from Ballybay Community College and Jasmine Coyle, Kayla Treanor and Sienna McDermott from Beech Hill College.
The event will be broadcast on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player on May 19.