Beth's 'Golden Globe' design taking on the world in Junk Kouture final

Local student and aspiring fashion designer Beth Brady has secured a place in the Dublin City Final of Junk Kouture, one of Ireland’s most prestigious youth fashion competitions.

Beth’s striking design, 'Golden Globe,' is not just a couture creation—it’s a powerful statement on sustainability, calling for a global gold standard in reducing plastic waste.

Junk Kouture challenges secondary school students to craft high-fashion outfits entirely from recycled materials. This year, the competition saw an incredible 1,200 entries, which were narrowed down to 160 designs for the Regional Finals, held on Wednesday, 5th March. From there, only 60 talented designers were selected for the Dublin City Final, where Beth will take to the stage on 7th May.

Beth, who is from Athboy is a student at St Joseph's Mercy Secondary School, Navan. She took on this challenge as a solo designer, creator, and performer, crafting her stunning gown from over 1,000 discarded plastic dressing tweezers. These tweezers, which are never re-used but automatically thrown away once a sterile bandage package is opened, were collected from clinics across Meath and Dublin. Through ingenuity and dedication, Beth transformed them into an elegant, eco-conscious masterpiece.

Beth is no stranger to success and is already making a name for herself in the fashion world. In 2023, while in third year, she won the Relove Fashion Competition for her innovative and sustainability-focused daywear design. The competition highlights the importance of reducing textile waste—an urgent issue, as nearly 57 per cent of all discarded or donated clothes end up in landfill.

She also showcased her exceptional talent in the Project Fashion Competition, where she won third place in the Advanced Category—a remarkable achievement in a competition known for its high standards.

Beth’s journey with Junk Kouture started in Transition Year, when she reached the Regional Finals alongside two other teams from her school. Now, through perseverance, dedication, and hard work, she has earned her place in the Dublin City Final as a solo designer—proving that passion and determination truly pay off.

Beth’s ambition doesn’t stop here. After completing her Leaving Certificate, she hopes to pursue a degree in fashion at NCAD (National College of Art and Design), where she can continue honing her skills and pushing the boundaries of sustainable fashion.

As she prepares for the National Final on 7th May, her school and local community stand proudly behind her. This is just the beginning for this inspiring young designer and with her talent, drive and creativity, there is no doubt she will achieve great things in the future.