On Tuesday night we were all very proud to see our talented student, Tabitha Riley,  awarded the highly coveted Ready to Wear Award at the 2025 Junk Kouture Festival of Creativity & Circularity in Dublin. Tabitha, a finalist in this year’s event, was celebrated for her eco-friendly couture creation during the spectacular Junk Kouture World Final, held at Mahony Hall at The Helix.

This year marks the 15th anniversary of Junk Kouture in Ireland, an event that brought together over 200 participants from 20 countries across five continents. Renowned for its emphasis on sustainability and creativity, the festival is a leading platform for young designers with a passion for environmentally conscious fashion. Tabitha’s innovative design is a shining example of this forward-thinking approach.

Tabitha’s stunning creation, titled ‘Cerulean,’ was made entirely from old blinds sourced from the school’s textile room, demonstrating her commitment to upcycling and sustainable fashion. The design also incorporates jewellery, shoes, and a hat, all crafted with incredible attention to detail. Her ability to transform discarded materials into high-end couture highlights the exceptional creativity and talent of young designers like Tabitha.

“Tabitha’s award is a testament to her hard work and creativity. We are proud to provide a supportive environment where students like her can thrive and make a real impact through their passions.”

Nicola Finch, Ribston’s Curriculum Lead for Design, shared her pride in Tabitha’s achievement: 

“Tabitha’s winning the Ready to Wear Award at the Junk Kouture final is an incredible achievement. Her creativity and commitment to sustainability are truly inspiring. We’re so proud of the skill and attention to detail she put into her design, turning recycled materials into a stunning couture piece.”

Congratulations to Tabitha for this incredible achievement! We look forward to seeing even more of her creative and inspiring work in the future.

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