Make fashion art from trash: Mayor

He welcomed the launch of the Junk Kouture Recycled Fashion Competition 2013 encouraging students to get involved in creating catwalk ready costumes from materials that would otherwise be wasted.

He said: “We are delighted that Derry will host the Northern Ireland Junk Kouture Regional Final in the Millennium Forum next March, this fits in well with the calendar of events for City of Culture year 2013.

“It gives me great pleasure that Derry City Council are in a position to work with partners involved in this initiative which essentially builds an awareness campaign towards better educating teenagers about recycling and reusing.

“This event will test the student’s creativity whist hopefully changing their attitudes and behaviour to recycling and as an Island wide event, bringing all students from different counties together in a forum which promotes sustainability.”

Julie Hannaway, Recycling Officer with Derry City Council said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for students to get involved in fashion design whilst helping the environment.

“The prizes that are offered are unbelievable; as well as a cash prize, with equipment for schools, there is also the opportunity to attend the international Cannes Film Festival.

“This event is about using free things that would otherwise be thrown away, some of the coolest, cutest and funniest costumes are made entirely from stuff you find around the house like newspaper, egg cartons, broken umbrellas…..you name it!

“Why not start now and practice for homemade Halloween costumes that only use household items. If you use your imagination it can prove you don’t have to spend a lot to have fun this Halloween.”

The competition for secondary schools will see the winning entry going forward for the chance to win a cash prize and equipment for their school estimated at over £3,000, plus a week’s course in the Grafton Academy of Design.

There will also be a Glamour Prize plus the chance to be chosen to attend the Cannes Film Festival in May 2013, when Junk Kouture showcases at the event next year.

A further opportunity for two designs to be worn by models who will attend the Royal Film Premiere in London in November 2013.

Students must submit their entry online at www.junkkouture.com by January 31. A shortlist of entries will then be selected, and they will feature in the semifinals in March 2013, with 80 outfits then progressing to the grand final in April 2013.

For more information, log on to the Junk Kouture website or Facebook page www.facebook.com/junkkouture.