Emily Li'23 Design Earns Place in Junk Kouture Semi-Finals

A wearable art piece by Emily Li’23 has earned a place in the semi-finals of the prestigious "Junk Kouture" fashion competition, which is set to take place in New York City.

Junk Kouture is a competition that challenges students to create avant-garde, wearable fashion pieces using only recycled materials. The competition aims to inspire young people to think creatively about sustainability and to promote a more responsible way of living.
 
In a video entry showcasing her work, Emily talks about her decision to use VHS film in her design. The piece “allows the VHS tapes to have physical movement beyond the motion pictures they have stored inside of them,” she explains. In addition, their light nature allows them to move and sway with the slightest of motions. 
 
The white base of the design was made from upholstery from a company that was liquidating its assets, and the VHS tapes were from old collections around art teacher Alison Safford’s neighborhood. The leg attachments of the garment were inspired by the circular form of the zoetrope. 
 
The next steps in the competition will see Emily and the other semi-finalists present their designs to a panel of judges, who will then select the finalists who will go on to compete in the grand finale. The winner of the competition will receive a prize of $10,000 and the opportunity to showcase their design at a major fashion event.
 
Congrats, Emily!

The Cambridge School of Weston is a progressive high school for day and boarding students in grades 9–12 and PG. CSW's mission is to provide a progressive education that emphasizes deep learning, meaningful relationships, and a dynamic program that inspires students to discover who they are and what their contribution is to their school, their community and the world.