Powered by RTÉ, the Junk Kouture Dublin City Final 2023 is set to return to Dublin's 3Arena on Thursday, May 4.
The sustainable fashion competition will see 80 design teams from post-primary schools across Ireland battle it out on the catwalk, with the winners going on to compete against 50 other teams from Abu Dhabi, London, Paris, Milan, and New York on a global stage to become the second-ever World Designer of the Year.
With the countdown well and truly on to the big event, fashion fans were holding their breath to find out who would be judging this year's show.
Finally, it was revealed that TikTok star and makeup artist Keilidh Cashell will be joining the star-studded judging panel.
Newcomer Keilidh is a champion of standing out from the crowd, known around the world for her incredible makeup tutorials and viral videos that have seen her amass three million followers on social media.
Speaking on the competition, Keilidh says: "I love everything about Junk Kouture, from the sustainable messaging to the celebration of individuality.
"I am all about those little finishing details that elevate a look to the next level so I will have my eyes peeled for someone who has gone that extra mile to make their design stand out. If I had any advice for the finalists, I'd say seize the moment – much like with my videos, you only have a short window on stage to make an impression so make the most of it!
"And I have to say… I grew up watching the X-Factor so the fact I am now sitting on the same judging panel as Louis Walsh is a bit of a pinch-me moment!"
Cashell will join radio DJ and sustainable fashion guru Tara Kumar, fashion designer Stephen McLaughlin and the legendary Louis Walsh on the star-studded judging panel.
Long-standing Junk Kouture judge and Programme Director for Fashion Design at Griffith College Jane Leavey also returns as a technical judge.
Speaking on the event, Tara Kumar says that she's counting down the minutes: "It’s safe to say I was bitten by the Junk Kouture bug in 2021 when I had the privilege of choosing the RTÉ Wildcards so I am beyond excited to be back this year as a judge for the final in 3Arena!
"For me, fashion is one of my favourite ways of expressing myself and with Junk Kouture there are always incredible messages behind every design – so I will be looking out for designs that tell a story and show us what the designers care about! Best of luck to everyone – bring on the Dublin City Final!"
In even more exciting news, An Post will unveil a booklet of four Junk Kouture stamps at the Dublin City Final, featuring past designers and the iconic high-fashion looks they created from upcycled junk.
These striking stamps, which allow postage within Ireland are available for €5.40 at anpost.com/junkkouture and in selected post offices nationwide, with a limited student online offer of five free postcards.
The stamps showcase to the Irish public Junk Kouture's valuable learnings for students around the importance of sustainable living and are a great way to stay in touch with friends and family this summer.
A limited number of tickets remain for the final, available from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 5.30pm with the show kicking off at 7.30pm.
