Clodagh is going to the world final
Junk Kouture
Clodagh Ramsey of Wilson’s Hospital School has just qualified in the top 10 (out of 3500 students) in the Junk Kouture competition with her organic design, ‘Aquacultural’.
Junk Kouture is a global competition in which fashion meets sustainability, and young creatives have a world stage to showcase their designs.
The 10 designs that will represent Ireland in the world final were announced this week, and Clodagh’s is one of them.
Clodagh said: “I was delighted to be chosen for the world final, as the competition this year had so many unbelievable pieces that demonstrated such talent and creativity. Although it was a competition, it really didn’t feel like that as each team championed and celebrated each other’s art.
“My piece is called Aquacultural and was created as a reminder that we have to consider how we source our food in order to be able to feed the world’s growing population.”
Clodagh also wants to raise awareness of the importance of the Global Sustainable Development Goal number two, which is zero hunger and the fact that woman and children suffer this most, all over the world.
Ireland is ranked second most food secure country, yet one in five children have gone to bed or school hungry.
Clodagh added: “My aim was to create a powerful yet feminine silhouette. I layered the mussel shells over charity shop lace and created a warriors mohawk as a sign of rebellion and empowerment.
“My design has more than 2000 Irish blue mussel shells, which were collected as organic waste from local restaurant, Pasta Bella. There are 30kg of mussel shells, which are fully compostable when the design piece is no longer needed.”
Clodagh recently visited the sixth class students at St Joseph’s National School, Rathwire. They discussed how we get our food and how it affects our planet as well as ways they can help our community.
The pupils helped crush some of the leftover mussels to use as organic fertiliser and slug repellent for their school sensory garden.
Clodagh was previously awarded the title of Most Innovative Designer for 2022 by Deloitte at the Junk Kouture World finals in Abu Dhabi.
She gave Junk Kouture the first ever living design, for which she used pampas, moss and grasses and kept them alive for over a year on her dress then returned them to the soil at the end of the competition process – demonstrating true sustainable design.
Her art teacher and Junk Kouture mentor at Wilson’s, Justyna Byrne, said: “On behalf of the whole school community, we are incredibly proud of Clodagh’s performance in the Junk Kouture competition this year!
“Her creativity and dedication truly stood out, showcasing her unique vision and talent. The way Clodagh transformed materials into a stunning piece of wearable art reflects her artistic skills, and also her commitment to sustainability.”
The show highlights will be on RTÉ 2 and RTÉ Player at 7pm on October 16.
Everyone at Wilson’s is looking forward to hearing where the world finals will be this year. “Many congratulations to Clodagh on her amazing creativity and success.”
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