Midlands Designer Awarded At Junk Kouture Final

Wednesday, 25 February 2026 08:06

The design is called ‘La La Lu Veil’.

A Midlands student has won big on the world stage of fashion and sustainability.

‘La La Lu Veil’ by Emilija Milasiute of St Joseph’s Secondary School, Rochfortbridge collected the 'Purposeful Plastic Award' at the Junk Kouture final last night.

She impressed judges with her innovative use of plastic milk cartons cut into delicate, clover inspired floral shapes.

The Westmeath designer was one of three Midlands finalists on the night, alongside Saline Queen from Heywood Community School, Laois, and Blueprint from Moate Community School, Westmeath.

She says the oversized headpiece is the star of her design:

A group of Limerick students have won World Designer of the Year at the finals for Junk Kouture.

Carousel Couture by Lauren O’Neill, Alexandra Giltenane and Sarah Kinnnane from Salesian Secondary College was made from hi-vis vests, bingbags, pipes, cardboard and even old toy animals.

They also took home Dublin Designer of the year.

Meanwhile the New York Designer of the year was Mirrorball by Leonardo Iglesias and Sophie Lorenzo-Luace which was made from over 30 thousand recycled can tabs.