Student designers rise to the top of the recycling pile

Two student groups from Coláiste Ailigh Letterkenny have been announced as Regional Finalists for Bank of Ireland Junk Kouture 2017.

Lucia McCauley and Imelda Boyle Bank of Ireland Donegal Reps, surprised student designers and models Niamh Ni Dhufaigh, Amy Nic Floinn Ni Chasaide, Shannen McGiolla Chearra Ni Phatuin, Caoimhe Ni Dhroma and Helen Ni Chanainn Ni Chanthain from Coláiste Ailigh, Letterkenny, with two precious Silver Tickets.

The students received the Silver Tickets for their entries ‘We’re all mad here’ and ‘Royal Blue.’ These tickets secure them a place in the Bank of Ireland Junk Kouture Ulster Regional Final taking place on the 6^th March 2017.

Lucia McCauley and Imelda Boyle BOI Model Amy Nic Floinn Ni Chasaide and helpers Shannen Mc Giolla Chearra Ni Phatuin and Caoimhe Ni Dhroma “We’re all mad here”

Lucia McCauley and Imelda Boyle Bank of Ireland Model Niamh Ni Dhufaigh and helper Helen Ni Chanainn Ni Chathain “Royal Blue”

Now in its seventh year, the all-Ireland leading fashion and art competition for secondary schools challenges students to create unique, original and innovative outfits from recycled materials and junk. Open to students nationwide, entries for 2017 surpassed all expectations making it the biggest competition to date.

80 designs from each of the four provinces were lucky enough to be Silver Ticket winners.

Speaking about the Silver Tickets, Barry Gallagher, Head of County, Donegal at Bank of Ireland said; “The calibre of entries for this year’s competition has been fantastic and the judging panel had a very tough job choosing the top 80 from each region. With every entry being uniquely choreographed to music, we are really excited to see the models bring their designs to life on stage at the Regional finals. We wish everyone the best of luck with the next stage of the competition and remind finalists to get innovative about how they gather support through the Bank of Ireland Junk Kouture voting app.

As part of the judging process, the public can get involved by casting a vote for their favourite design through the Bank of Ireland Junk Kouture voting app. Accessed through the BOIStudents Facebook page (www.facebook.com/BOIstudents), voting opens for one week before the regional competitions from Ulster. Individuals can cast a single vote every 24hours. Votes account for 10% of the final mark and can make a huge difference in such a heated competition.