Donegal teenagers urged to apply for fashion up-cycling competition

The Revolve Fashion Competition is now open for young people aged 12-19 to apply, and those who apply before September 30 have the chance to win a free sewing machine.

Last year, Donegal teenager Cara McLaughlin won both the Connacht-Ulster and National awards for Best Casual Outfit. Crafted from shirts donated to her by her grandfather, a pair of old jeans, a pillowcase, unwanted zips and balls of leftover wool, Cara's achievement was an enormous success, especially for her age at just 14!

The competition is free to enter, funded in Donegal by Donegal County Council and the Regional Waste Management Planning Offices.

The competition challenges young people to create a wearable outfit without buying anything new. Previous entries have used their grandad's old shirts and mam's vintage bridesmaid dresses, their ripped jeans, torn bedsheets, moth-eaten hats and even old trampoline nets. Young people across Ireland can give everyday items a stylish second life through upcycling

During this competition, participants develop practical skills in reuse, repair, sewing, design and creative problem-solving, while exploring how fashion can be more sustainable. Along the way, they help tackle Ireland’s overconsumption of fast fashion and the amount of waste this creates, and discover how reusing and repairing clothes can make a real difference to the planet!

At the launch of the Relove Fashion competition, Lorraine Keane, Fashion Relief founder and media presenter, said:

“Every year I’m completely blown away by the creativity of the young people taking part in this competition. They’re seeing potential where others might not see it, and transforming it into something so stylish and unique. And what makes Relove Fashion so special is that it’s not just about sewing and sustainability; it’s also about growing your confidence and creativity, and finding your people!”

Hugh Coughlan, Regional Waste Co-ordinator, said:

“The Regional Waste Management Planning Offices, with funding from the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, are delighted to support Relove Fashion in its 8th year. The impact and engagement the competition continues to generate across schools, youth groups and communities nationwide has been fantastic to witness. The aims and objectives of the competition very much align with National & Local Government Policy ”

Arran Murphy, Rediscover Fashion Programme Manager at the Rediscovery Centre, added:

“Relove Fashion is so much more than a competition. It has grown into an exciting, inclusive platform for the next generation of young designers, creators and thinkers to engage with the issues of fast fashion and find alternative routes, exploring creative reuse, repair and repurposing skills, to pave the way to a more sustainable fashion future.”

Young people, teachers, and youth group leaders are invited to register their interest now on Revolve.ie

Those who register their interest before September 30 have the chance of winning a sewing machine.

All who enter can receive a free bag of unwanted textiles from participating charity shops in collaboration with Charity Retail Ireland to upcycle.