Mayo student wins national sustainable fashion award
A MAYO student has won top prize at the Relove Fashion final, a competition that celebrates creativity, innovation and sustainability in fashion.
Finalists aged 12 to 19 reimagined old clothes and other household fabrics, creating outfits from unwanted, and in many cases unexpected fabrics, including old umbrellas, pillowcases and shower curtains.
And the overall winner was Elżbieta Klonowska from St. Louis Community School in Kiltimagh with an outfit named 'Rock Them, Madonna!'.
The Relove Fashion competition proves that style doesn’t have to cost the earth - and that Ireland’s young people are ready to lead the charge for a circular fashion future.
Some 58 finalists from 29 local authority areas were chosen to reach the final, with Elżbieta representing Mayo County Council.
Arran Murphy, head judge of Relove Fashion and programme manager of Rediscover Fashion said: “It’s always amazing to see the creativity, innovation and skills in the outfits, and to hear about the young people’s journeys in their creation, learning about the impacts of the fashion industry, and the positive changes that can be made by everyone. In particular it’s wonderful to hear about how much they enjoyed the creative process, which is so key to our circular future.”
Elżbieta's creation was named best overall in the Connaught-Ulster waste region before going on to scoop the national overall award.
This trailblazing competition was developed in response to the devastating environmental and social impacts of the fashion industry, the need for change, and the recognition of young people’s pivotal role in shaping innovative solutions. By providing students with the opportunity to learn about where their clothes are from, and showcase their creativity while promoting sustainable fashion practices, the competition encourages a shift towards a more circular and sustainable society.
The competition is textile based and skills based, aiming to bridge the repair skills gap evident in younger generations.