Junk Kouture, Sustainable Youth Fashion Programme, Secures Impressive Judging Panel for UK Final

01-04-2022
Junk Kouture, the sustainable global youth fashion programme, has announced its exciting judging panel for the U.K. Junk Kouture Final in London on 19th May 2022.
This year Junk Kouture has been working with over 100 schools from across England and Scotland, challenging young students to create striking outfits out of recyclable materials that are often labelled as waste materials; promoting creative expression amongst young people, whilst also encouraging them to become the circular engineers of tomorrow.
Sharing their expertise with these young, budding fashion designers and circular engineers of tomorrow will be Irish TV & Radio presenter, model & actress Laura Whitmore; Course Director of Central St Martin’s MA Fashion Fabio Piras and British Broadcaster, Teacher and Author, Mehreen Baig. All three (pictured below) will be on the panel at the Junk Kouture Final in London on 19th May at The Hackney Empire.

With each judge specialising in different areas, their combined knowledge will ensure that each entry is thoroughly assessed. The three different personalities also have strong synergy with the ethos and message of Junk Kouture.
A long-time advocate of sustainable fashion, Laura Whitmore embodies the mission of Junk Kouture perfectly. From her iconic vintage style to previously collaborating with WWF’s Ocean Hero Campaign and TK Maxx’s Give Up Clothes for Good, Laura is passionate about championing and talking about sustainable fashion and shopping consciously.
Laura Whitmore comments: “I am absolutely thrilled to be asked to be part of the judging panel for Junk Kouture 2022. I have followed the year-on-year success of the event in Dublin and I am super excited to see the amazing and ingenious recycled outfits produced by the students. I can’t wait to experience first-hand all of the creativity and energy at the London final. These students really go for it and their designs are wild, I am looking forward to picking up even more sustainable fashion and lifestyle tips from them!“
Chosen for his expertise and knowledge as both a fashion designer and teacher at one of the most influential and globally recognised fashion colleges and MA Fashion Courses, Fabio Piras will be an invaluable asset of creative knowledge, advice and priceless information for the students.
As a former teacher and trailblazing broadcaster and author, passionate about education and an influential voice across a range of topics including feminism, race and gender equality, and faith, Mehreen Baig has a passion for breaking stereotypes. As a role model and mentor, she believes in promoting empowerment through conscious conversations. A passionate advocate to help the students reach their own creative potential beyond any self-limiting boundaries.
The 40 U.K. finalists will be announced on 10th April and tickets for the Junk Kouture London City Final will go on sale 14th April. The top 10 designs on the night will then be chosen to compete in the first ever Junk Kouture World Final alongside finalists from four other major cities at a yet to be disclosed location in September 2022.
Founded in Ireland the programme has gone global for its 12th year with the Junk Kouture World Tour taking place in six of the world’s most dynamic cities: New York, London, Dublin, Abu Dhabi, Milan and Paris. It has also revealed a 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 globe by 2032. With over 800 schools actively participating in the programme, the message of Junk Kouture is already spreading rapidly, and the World Tour will allow it to expand even further, giving more young people the chance to express their creativity and impact climate change, no matter where they live or where they come from.
For updates on the London finalist announcements and ticket sales for the upcoming live event, please visit www.junkkouture.com and keep an eye on the Junk Kouture social media platforms on Instagram and TikTok.