Athlone student showcases Junk Kouture design in Cannes

Londiwe Ndlovu, a student from Our Lady's Bower recently flew to Cannes to model her incredible Junk Kouture design.

Ms Ndlovu wore her design, 'It's All About The Package' and accepted an award for the impact of Junk Kouture’s creative integrated programme.

Five Junk Kouture designs were chosen to go to France for the exciting event.

RX France awarded the first MIP SDG Innovation Award at MIPTV to Junk Kouture for the impact of their programme engaging the world’s youth in Cannes ahead of their 6-City Tour commencing next month.

The award was presented to Junk Kouture CEO and Founder, Troy Armour who spoke with Patrick Ayree, a wildlife filmmaker about the routes of Junk Kouture and the ambitious plans. The five Irish students including Londiwe performed in their outfits made from 100% recycled materials.

Troy Armour, Founder and CEO of Junk Kouture commented: “Junk Kouture gives GenZ the tools and creative space to become sustainability ambassadors, as they find their way to contribute towards the UN SDGS be it by sourcing 63,000 aluminium ring pulls or manipulating orange peel into leather to create haute couture, they are the circular engineers of tomorrow."

"We have had incredible support from our committed partners such as RTÉ through broadcast, award activations and social media support and also Creative Ireland in the development of our education hub, allowing us to continuously develop Junk Kouture's offering both on and off-screen. We’re extremely honoured to be recognised for our contribution towards the SDGs by MIPTV, especially as we commence our 6-city tour next month, continuing to drive change through innate creativity."

Lucy Smith, RX France Entertainment Division Director & Director of MIPTV said: “We are delighted to honour both ACT and Junk Kouture for their impactful work. Be it in practically tackling online disinformation or a disruptive take on fashion programming, both have progressed the sustainability and development agenda significantly to audiences in recent years. There is much for our wider industry to admire, and learn from, in their approach and campaigns.”

Founded in Ireland in 2010, Junk Kouture recently went global and revealed its goal of reaching 13 cities by the end of 2023, and a 10-year goal of impacting the lives of 1 billion young people across the world by 2032.

The initiative this year culminates with 60 winning teams participating in a World Final show featuring designs from Abu Dhabi, Dublin, London, Milan, New York and Paris.

The Junk Kouture Dublin City Final will take place in the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre on May 5.