Westmeath design made from 2,000 mussel shells wins Junk Kouture world final

An Irish design made from 2,000 mussel shells was crowned Junk Kouture World Designer of the Year.

Westmeath student Clodagh Ramsey from Wilson’s Hospital School walked away as the overall winner for her design Aquacultural. The 32kg organic waste design champions sustainable food production and gender equality.

Aquacultural was one of 60 finalist teams from Ireland, the UK, France, Italy, the USA, and the UAE that presented designs made entirely from recycled materials, with innovation and craftsmanship aplenty at the Junk Kouture World Final.

This year’s event marked 15 years of Junk Kouture in Ireland, celebrating its impact in fostering sustainable, creative talent of young people 12-19-years-old at home and away.

The designs were evaluated by a prestigious judging panel of experts in sustainability, fashion, education, and entertainment including American eco-designer and author Maya Penn, buying director of Primark Sally Taylor, Parisian it-girl and champion of sustainable fashion Lise Pierron and fashion designer and founder of sustainable luxury womenswear brand SML London Stephen McLaughlin.