Junk Kouture, a platform that showcases work from post-primary school students making creative designs using recycled materials, has launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise more than €400,000 as it looks to further expand.
The youth sustainability event, which is aiming to reach one billion teens globally, is seeking to scale to a further 13 cities over the next two years. Earlier this year, it secured $1 million in seed funding at a $12 million valuation. It has now launched a new crowdfunding campaign on the Seedrs platform.
Having already expanded recently to New York, London, Paris, Milan and Abu Dhabi, the Donegal-founded platform also intends to launch in Tokyo, Sydney, Cape Town, Mumbai, São Paulo, Singapore and Los Angeles.
Junk Kouture is making considerable progress in New York, one of the world’s biggest fashion cities. It is in discussions with more than 400 teachers in New York and more than 100 schools are already confirmed to participate in its programme.
"We've sold out the 3Arena five times, our goal is to sell out Madison Square Garden," said founder Troy Armour.
More than 15,000 designs have been created by Junk Kouture programme participants to date. More than 1,000 schools in Ireland, Britain, the US, France, Italy and the United Arab Emirates actively engage with the competition, which culminates in sell-out arena tours.
Using only recycled materials to make wearable fashion, students embark on a nine-month programme with the ultimate aim of qualifying for a spot on the Junk Kouture stage at its annual showcase.
“Junk Kouture ticks all the boxes for brands and media companies that are looking to engage in more environmentally conscious activities while also engaging with Gen Zs who will be the most eco-conscious consumers of our time,” said Mr Armour.
“The global fashion industry is responsible for 10 per cent of all greenhouse gas emissions and 20 per cent of global wastewater. Through education and creativity, Junk Kouture empowers this generation to make lasting behavioural change, encouraging our community to make more sustainable choices with ethical buying decisions, increased use and recycling,” he added.
