View all Courses
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) and Junk Kouture: A Sustainable Fashion Partnership inspiring the next generation of innovators and creators
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) will take centre stage at this year’s Junk Kouture World Finals, set to take place at the Helix, Dublin, on Tuesday, 4 March.
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) will take centre stage at this year’s Junk Kouture World Finals, set to take place at the Helix, Dublin, on Tuesday, 4 March. ATU will present the STEAM Award, recognising designers who seamlessly integrate science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics into their sustainable creations, further bridging the gap between innovation and sustainability.
Over the past three years, ATU and Junk Kouture have forged a dynamic partnership to promote sustainable fashion and innovation among students aged 12 to 19 years. The partnership between the university and Junk Kouture, a global sustainable fashion competition that challenges young designers to create high-fashion outfits using only recycled and upcycled materials, now includes several impactful initiatives and collaborations.
For three years in a row, students and staff from ATU’s Department of Design and Creative Media’s Bachelor of Arts in Fashion with Promotion programme have showcased their creativity by designing awards for Junk Kouture’s World Finals. Students and staff have crafted trophies for three World Final events using upcycled materials which harnessed students’ design skills but also underscored a commitment to sustainability.
The partnership between ATU and Junk Kouture extends beyond the design of trophies and events, focusing on education and real-world experience. Many ATU graduates have transitioned into roles within the Junk Kouture organisation, exemplifying the practical impact of this collaboration. Megan Kelly, an ATU alumna and Director of Global Events and Production at Junk Kouture, has been pivotal in nurturing the relationship between ATU and Junk Kouture by providing students with platforms to engage in sustainable fashion projects.
Fiona Kelly, ATU Marketing Manager commented, “ATU has an incredible reputation for delivering programmes focused on sustainability. Many of our past graduates work in the creative industries, we integrate sustainability into our creative, arts, theatre, and design programmes, ensuring that students develop environmentally conscious practices alongside their artistic and technical skills. Through innovative curriculum design, hands-on projects, and industry collaborations, ATU fosters a culture of sustainability in the creative industries. This partnership exemplifies how academic institutions and industry competitions can collaborate to inspire and cultivate the next generation of eco-conscious designers, fostering a culture of sustainability and innovation in the fashion industry.”
She further added, “With new Leaving Certificate subjects coming into place from September 2025 in subject areas such as Climate Action and Sustainable Development and Drama, Film and Theatre Studies we at ATU are keen to support the evolving education system, and this partnership is one of the many ways in which ATU can harness our own strategic goals and values while supporting the next generation of innovators and creators.”
Check out ATU and Junk Kouture’s collaboration video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IiyOXdCpeLA
