Call for Mayo entries to Enable Ireland's The Final Find
Enable Ireland has announced the launch of The Final Find – a nationwide search for Ireland’s most creative stylists and upcyclers. The competition is open for entries until August 31.
Now in its second year, the charity invites upcyclers and stylists from Mayo to prove the unlimited potential of pre-loved clothing by creating an iconic outfit. The catch: the outfit must be created from a mystery bag of second-hand clothing provided by Enable Ireland charity shops.
Whether you’re a design student, charity shop fanatic, or someone who once transformed your mam’s net curtains into a red-carpet moment, this is your time to shine.
To enter, participants must first demonstrate their flair for sustainable fashion by introducing themselves and their unique style via Instagram or TikTok. All entrants must also complete a short submission form at enableireland.ie/thefinalfind.
On this year’s competition, Oonagh O’Connor, head of commercial at Enable Ireland, said: “The Final Find is a celebration of Ireland’s ingenious upcyclers and sustainable stylists. The type of people with a talent for turning the unexpected into something extraordinary. Those who are constantly finding treasures in charity shops or reinventing everyday items into standout fashion.
“At its heart, this competition is about proving that great style doesn’t have to come with a high price tag. With imagination, resourcefulness and a few pre-loved finds, anything is possible. We can’t wait to see the creativity and originality entrants bring to the challenge again this year.”
The competition will culminate in a momentous celebration of circular fashion, creativity and sustainability, where 12 finalists will be invited to the runway to showcase their style innovations. A winner will be crowned in two categories – ‘Styling’ and ‘Upcycling’ – as well as an ultimate overall champion.
Last year's Final Find runway boasted an outstanding array of fashion-forward fits which told stories of the contestants' ‘Authentic Self’, from maximalist looks, coquette style, to earthy boho vibes and Y2K grunge. Enable Ireland promises that this year is going to be even better.
The competition will be hosted by two of Ireland’s most-loved sustainable style queens: Katrina Carroll and Jason Andres. Katrina Carroll, AKA Vintage Irish Kat, has a loyal fan base of over 100,000 followers on Instagram alone. She is a content creator and sustainability styling advocate. Jason Andres (@pariahhilton), is the brand and comms director of Dublin Independent Fashion Week. They promote inclusion and accessibility, and their TikTok celebrates all things related to Ireland’s established and emerging fashion scene.
On hosting this year’s competition, Katrina said: “What an absolute honour it is to co-host this incredible event. Sustainability has been a huge part of my life since I was a child. It’s how I express myself, and it’s the ultimate superpower when it comes to standing out and letting your own unique style take centre stage.
“I am absolutely buzzing to see all of the amazing creatives and what they have in store for us. I have a feeling they’re going to blow us away. It’s so important that we give these incredibly talented fashion creatives a platform to showcase their work, share a glimpse into who they are, and help them grow as individuals. By celebrating their creativity, we’re giving them the confidence to dream bigger, be bolder, and continue expressing themselves without limits.”
Jason added: “Getting to host Enable Ireland's The Final Find was a no-brainer because their ethos is exactly what we champion at Dublin Independent Fashion Week. We’re all about celebrating the innovators who don't just follow the high-street rules but create their own. 'Sustainability' as a buzzword gets thrown a lot in conversations about fashion without the actual backing, but for myself, alongside the growing independent fashion community in Ireland, we know The Final Find to be the most tangible proof that incredible style doesn’t need a massive carbon footprint or an unattainable price tag.
“It's inspiring to see Irish upcyclers and stylists rewrite the fashion playbook for a more sustainable future. I can’t wait to see the pure creativity and originality onstage, and celebrate Irish fashion with you all.”
For more details about the competition, terms and conditions, and how to enter, visit enableireland.ie/thefinalfind. Entrants must be 18 years old or over.
With 28 shops located across the country, Enable Ireland charity shops are a regular go-to for thrifters and customers looking to shop more sustainably and find quality pre-loved fashion pieces at bargain prices.