Fashion Student Makes World Finals of Junk Kouture Competition in Dublin

The Junk Kouture competition showcases how everyday waste can be transformed into striking fashion statements through creativity and innovation. Using discarded textiles, plastics, paper, technology components and other household materials, participants reimagine unwanted items as inventive garments that highlight the potential of sustainable fashion design.

Archie initially presented his piece, entitled Autopsy of a Modern Man, at the Chaos & Couture exhibition, held at the Gather event space in the Dolphin Centre, Poole, earlier this year. The exhibition showcased how he and his fellow students transformed discarded materials into bold wearable art, turning waste into impressive fashion statements.

Archie worked on his fashion piece as a standalone project, creating a sustainable design using pipes, bin liners, other plastics and a tub of wires, which he incorporated into the garment. He said: "I absolutely loved it, working extra days and hours that I wouldn't normally to finish the piece."

Lots of preparation goes into this project, and last year Archie’s tutor Kerrie made contact with the local shopping centre (The Dolphin) to collect a vast amount of waste for them - this is one of the hardest parts of the project. Students are required to focus on their skills and design so sourcing interesting waste materials is challenging. The college is always on the lookout for businesses that would donate waste for this. 

Archie's selection as a finalist in the Junk Kouture World Finals is a testament to his talent, enthusiasm and creativity, developed throughout his studies in the college's Art and Design department. It also reflects his commitment to challenging conventional approaches within the fashion industry and championing more sustainable ways of thinking.

Archie said of reaching the World Finals: "I submitted the work to Junk Kouture myself, with support and guidance from Kerrie, my tutor. I'm really looking forward to meeting others in Dublin and having my artwork seen on a world stage; it's a very exciting opportunity for me, and I am very grateful."

A Junk Kouture representative said: "Archie’s journey through this year’s competition has been nothing short of exceptional. 'Autopsy' stood out for its creativity, craftsmanship and powerful message, earning a place as a London City Finalist at our Festival of Finals before being selected as one of the top 10 designs in the UK to progress to the Junk Kouture World Final. Reaching the World Final is an incredible achievement and reflects Archie’s talent, dedication and ability to use fashion as a platform for storytelling and positive change."

Future students are invited to be a part of the next generation of designers transforming waste into innovative fashion, while reimagining a more sustainable future. If you're interested in studying one of our five Art and Design pathways, (including Fashion), please visit our website to find out more.

If you’d like to donate waste for Junk Kouture projects, please contact: marketing@bpc.ac.uk.