Trash to treasure: Fox Chapel Area artists compete in global Junk Kouture competition

A castaway graduation gown and a pile of plastic spoons might look like they’re destined for the recycling bin.

But for two Fox Chapel Area juniors, the scraps combined for a winning look that will sashay down a professional runway with a global audience.

Ayla Ojanen and Lily McLaughlin, both 16, were named among the top 10 finalists in the Junk Kouture World Final. Their creation, “Unwrapped,” is a short, shimmery cocktail dress laden with ruffles and frills.

It will represent New York and vie against glamorous garments from Paris, Milan, London, Dublin and Dubai at a February event at a destination to be revealed.

“We are so proud and shocked that our dress did this well,” said Ojanen of Aspinwall.

“We definitely didn’t think we would make it this far in the competition because, although we love art, we really didn’t have much experience in fashion.”

Junk Kouture is a sustainable fashion competition for students 12 to 19 to create a chic ensemble from 100% recycled materials. It is organized by Junk Kouture Operations Ireland and is the world’s largest sustainable fashion competition for young adults.

For McLaughlin of Fox Chapel, the contest elevated her creative juices.

“Since we love all things art, we decided that fashion is just one more kind of art that we may grow to love,” she said.

The pair stitched together the dress by simply looking at materials that were lying around.

“We love the idea because throwing our old things away would definitely be a waste,” McLaughlin said.

“We found different types of ribbon and tissue paper, which gave us the idea of presents, and we had to find additional materials, such as a graduation gown and plastic spoons, in order for the dress to really come together.”

Brona Dowling, vice president of Junk Kouture, said the world final is a three-day celebration that will feature wearable designs from high school students to showcase impressive innovation.

Hundreds of entries in the New York competition — some made of coffee filters, doilies and newspapers — were whittled to 10 teams that secured a spot in the World Final.

“These talented designers will compete for the coveted title of 2024 World Designer of the Year,” Dowling said.

A contest location will be revealed in late September. Previous finals have been at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi and the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco.

McLaughlin and Ojanen credited Fox Chapel Area art teachers Joan Marangoni and Christine Smith for pushing their passion.

“Lily and I had never done anything like this before, but we were eager to try something new,” Ojanen said.

“We worked hard to create a dress we are proud of, and we are just happy to share it with the world.”

Neither of the teens plans to study fashion in school, but both said this accomplishment will carry a special place in their hearts.

“Fashion is something we will be able to appreciate for the rest of our lives, even if we choose not to pursue it career-wise,” McLaughlin said.

“It feels pretty great to know that we made it into the top 10.”