Buncrana student Mariusz Malon dusted off his impressive creation once again to launch this year's Bank of Ireland Junk Kouture competition.

Ireland’s renowned recycled fashion competition is back for its eighth successive year and has added a new name to the judging panel – style guru Pippa O’Connor.

Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana student Mariusz Malon launched this year’s competition with his winning design ‘Engimatic’ alongside new judge Pippa and returning judge Louis Walsh.

Mariusz Malon from Scoil Mhuire ,Buncrana at the launch of the Bank of Ireland Junk Kouture Competition at the Tivoli Theatre Dublin. Picture:Brian McEvoy

As one of Ireland’s leading fashion and beauty entrepreneurs Pippa is perfectly poised to take up the mantle of judging the extraordinary talent of Ireland’s young fashion creators.

Pippa O’Connor said she is thrilled with the new role: “Seeing some of the designs from last year, I can really see the hard work and time that goes into creating these amazing creations! They are truly works of art!

“I am completely blown away by the talent of the young people of Ireland and Bank of Ireland Junk Kouture creates an amazing opportunity for students to showcase their talent and provides them with a stepping stone to jump start their careers in the fashion industry. I am really looking forward to meeting some of the incredible students involved in this year’s competition.”

Judges Pippa O Connor and Louis Walsh along with students from secondary schools across Ireland at the launch of the Bank of Ireland Junk Kouture Competition at the Tivoli Theatre Dublin.
Picture:Brian McEvoy

The fashion and art competition for secondary schools challenges students to create unique, original and innovative outfits from recycled materials and junk.

Mariusz was the Overall and Northern Regional Winner & Griffith Scholarship Winner with his ingenious use of an old trampoline, a broken chandelier and an old carpet maker.

Last year saw a record number of applicants with over 1,300 designs entered which were whittled down to just 80 for the grand final in the 3Arena.

Laura Kirwan -Moate Community School. Emily McCabe -Moate Community School. Mariusz Malon -Scoil Mhuire,Buncrana Lauren Curran -Our Lady’s Bower School,Athlone, Shauna Mannion from Our Lady’s Bower School, Athlone Emma Duffy Colaiste Ris-Dundalk and Tina Geoghegan -Moate Community School, at the launch of the Bank of Ireland Junk Kouture Competition at the Tivoli Theatre Dublin. Picture:Brian McEvoy

Donegal students will need to get their thinking caps on now if they want to follow in Mariusz’ platformed footsteps!

Students are told they will need to have their Bank of Ireland Junk Kouture entry designed ahead of registration which opens on the 8th of January. For more information on how your school can get involved visit www.boijunkkouture.com.