Open to 12- to 19-year-olds in middle and high school, the Junk Kouture competition challenges students to create a fashion couture outfit from 100% recycled materials, blending sustainability with artistry in a global celebration of innovation.

 

Reese describes their piece “Medusa” as a character from the future after climate change has ruined the planet. “I wanted to delve into the idea of beauty standards in a society where it’s unsafe to show your skin,” they explain. “How would people show their beauty? How would people dress?” To construct the design, Reese made use of a reused bedsheet, used packaging, packing peanuts, reused craft foam, and an old sweater.

 

Winter’s piece, called “Photogenic,” was constructed from photographs and photo negatives rescued from a trash can. The mock feather boa was made by braiding old fabric with handsewn strips of photo negative. “Inspired by the impacts of the circular economy and fast fashion,” Winter says, “the dress aligns with the sustainable development goal of sustainable consumption.”

 

Ella’s “Metamorphosis” was created from water bottles, old plastic, vinyl trash bags, and papier mâché masks made from ripped up magazines and newspapers, and painted with acrylic and watercolor paint. “I wanted to make a piece inspired by the evolution of the natural world and incorporating celestial and biological motifs,” Ella says. “I didn’t make the piece with much of a plan in mind, and spent a lot of time playing with the materials and forming different shapes and layers with it.”

 

Watch the event live on Monday, May 12, at 4:00 p.m. on the Junk Kouture YouTube channel.