Carlow is celebrating a major youth-led sustainability success, as students from Tullow Community School were crowned Southern Regional Winners at the Relove Fashion Competition Grand Final, held recently at Dublin City University (DCU).
Ronan Cossee, Ben Blackburn and Kaspars Kaminskis impressed judges to take top honours, showcasing wearable, washable fashion designs made entirely from unwanted and unexpected materials - firmly placing Carlow in the spotlight as a leader in creative climate action.
The prestigious national final brought together 58 finalists from 29 local authority areas, with just 24 award winners selected. Carlow was strongly represented, with a second team from Tullow Community School, Anna Narnicka and Michelle Romanowicz, also travelling to DCU to take part in the showcase event, which was MC’d by performer Paul Ryder.
Aimed at young people aged 12 to 19 across the country, the Relove Fashion Competition challenges participants to rethink the environmental impact of clothing. Finalists transformed old garments and household textiles, including umbrellas, pillowcases and shower curtains, into striking contemporary outfits, proving that sustainability and style can go hand in hand.
The Carlow-winning team stood out for their creativity, innovation and strong sustainability message, clearly demonstrating how fashion can be reimagined through reuse, repair and redesign. Their success highlights the confidence, imagination and environmental awareness of young people across the county.
Carlow County Council was proud to support the initiative, which empowers young people to engage with climate action in a creative, practical and meaningful way.
Arran Murphy, Head Judge of Relove Fashion and Programme Manager with Rediscover Fashion, said: “It’s always amazing to see the creativity, innovation and skills in the outfits, and to hear about the young people’s journeys in their creation, learning about the impacts of the fashion industry and the positive changes that can be made. In particular, it’s wonderful to hear how much they enjoyed the creative process, which is so key to our circular future.”
Judge Sinéad Ní Mhainnín, representing the Regional Waste Management Planning Offices, added: “The Waste Regions are very proud to support this competition. It’s inspiring to see what young people have created with textiles from their homes, charity shops and friends. It truly shows that you can give clothes and textiles a second life.”
The judging panel also included Lorraine Keane, IFTA‑nominated broadcaster and journalist, and Orla Langan, designer and NCAD lecturer.
Following this success, Carlow County Council’s Environment Department are encouraging young people across County Carlow to register their interest in taking part in the Relove Fashion programme this September. The initiative offers a unique opportunity to combine creativity with climate action, textile waste reduction and sustainable living.
Young people, schools and youth groups can register their interest at: https://www.relovefashion.ie/
With local students already leading the way, Carlow is looking forward to seeing even more young people step up and shape a more sustainable fashion future.
