Events: Creating couture from clutter at Trash ‘N’ Fashion

By Rachel McLaughlin • 7 years ago

May
2018

Trash 'N' Fashion 2018 had it all - from cool catwalk looks, music, fashion, entertainment and community. Here, we recap the recycled runway event:

The show on Thursday 17th May was a stylish success, with students from Donegal and Sligo joining the local fundraiser that sees creative young designers turn trash into wearable art.

Almost 1000 students have taken part in the competition in its 7 years. Last week’s event at Mount Errigal Hotel Letterkenny was another big celebration for the students who learned valuable skills such as teamwork and creativity while showcasing their impressive designs.

Carndonagh Community School won the overall prize with their ‘Belt it Up’ look. Created with seatbelts, this car safety-themed two-piece had a strong message.

Cllr Gerry McMonagle Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council and Environmental Awareness Officer Suzanne Bogan presenting the prize for Trash N Fashion winning dress 2018 – Belt it Up, Carndonagh Community School

On the night of the show, students discovered the key messages of reusing and recycling and how their act of creativity could spread the message of saving the environment.They mastered the art of communication and overcame fear of walking down the runway to display their “out of this world” designs to the cheers of their family and friends.

They heard how this night of red carpet fashion and glamour helps charities in the community through monies raised. This year’s recipients are Donegal Youth Service and Donegal Rape Crisis Centre.

This a project that is dear to the hearts of organisers Karen Gallinagh Murphy from Karen Murphy Speech Drama and Communications and Evelyn Mc Glynn from Evelyn Mc Marketing.

L-R: Karen Gallinagh Murphy (organiser) Emma Murray ,Fashion Blogger, The Fashion Chair ,
Cllr Gerry McMonagle Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council Paul Logue (Mc Elhinneys Stores) Environmental Awareness Officer Suzanne Bogan , Evelyn Mc Glynn (organiser)

The team have put in endless hours of planning and work, but they say it’s all worth it when they see the ongoing life lessons and value that an event like this has on the young students that take part.

Schools throughout Donegal participate every year and as far away as Sligo was represented with Mercy Sligo College coming to share in the magic that is Trash N Fashion.

Who knew that recycled rubbish, up cycled everyday items and products that normally make the landfill could look so glamorous? A new category for 2018 was a Repurpose and Reuse section and Star Wars was the 2018 special awards theme.

Star Wars theme Winner – Troopete – Mercy College Sligo

Re-purpose Reuse winner – Toys R Us Errigal College

Cllr Gerry McMonagle Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council and Environmental Awareness Officer Suzanne Bogan joined in the audience to support the event and Karen and Evelyn expressed their delight that Donegal County Council had helped finance the event this year.

Gerry McMonagle congratulated all who took part, saying: “Trash N Fashion is a unique event, and Donegal County Council are delighted to be part of an amazing professional and high end production that delivered a strong message of rethinking waste.”

It wasn’t just the fashion world that was on display, but a full programme of entertainment and dance added to this outstanding event, showcasing a full range of talents and creativity from Pinehill Dance Studio, singers Oisin Nee and Amy Meehan, Luna Kicks band and solo dance display from Kai Mc Hugh.

Paul Logue (Mc Elhinneys Stores) and Emma Murray (Fashion Blogger, Stylist and Columnist from The Fashion Chair) wowed the audience with their compere skills.

Choosing the winner was a difficult job for the judging panel, which included Karen O’Kane of Kokodesigns, Vicki Raine from Polka Dot Raine blog, Bernie Murphy Textile Artist and Amy Kate Callaghan dance teacher and former Donegal Rose.

L-R Cllr Gerry McMonagle Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council , Bernie Murphy Textile Artist, Vicki Raine Polka Dot Raine Fashion blog , Karen Gallinagh Murphy (organiser) , Sandra McGettigan AIB, Evelyn Mc Glynn (organiser) , Karen O’Kane Kokodesigns, , Amy Kate Callaghan dance teacher , Environmental Awareness Officer Suzanne Bogan

Looking back on the successful event, Evelyn Mc Glynn said: “The show would not function without the entire backroom team, volunteers, sponsors and anyone who supported the event .

“In particular the yearly support given by Hegartys Letterkenny, Greenes Shoes, Sandra McGettigan – AIB and the ongoing supports from local business throughout Donegal.

“Thanks to everyone and especially to every school and student who took part you are a credit to your county!”