Enable Ireland has revealed the winners of its nationwide sustainable fashion competition, The Final Find.
Taking place at The Complex, Smithfield, Dublin, on Wednesday, 1 October, the competition’s glittering finale celebrated circular fashion, creativity and sustainability.
Hosted by Zeda The Architect, the event saw 12 fabulous finalists take to the runway to showcase their style innovations. Each designer was challenged to create outfits from a mystery bag of pre-loved fashions.
Each mystery bag held an array of quality textiles, garments, and accessories. It was then up to the contestants to transform the items into runway-worthy styles.
The judging panel on the night consisted of sustainable fashion influencer Katrina Carroll, Enable Ireland Virtual Support Worker, Padhraic Dormer, and Enable Ireland Head of Commercial, Oonagh O’Connor.
Styling winner: Azania Dodo
In the end, the Styling trophy was awarded to Azania Dodo, 21, from Balbriggan, Dublin.
Azania’s winning look gave 70s disco diva energy. She layered an orange long-sleeve top under a baby blue plaid frilly skirt.
The outfit was topped with a blue patent leather mini skirt and an orange mini skirt cinched with a belt. All items came from Azania’s Enable Ireland mystery bag.
Upcycling and Overall Winner: Maru da Costa
Taking home the prize in both the Upcycling category and the overall winner was Maru da Costa O’Doherty, 33, from Athlone, County Westmeath.
Her triumphant look brought dark academia to life with sustainable fashion. It included a faux leather skirt reworked with checkered godets, along with an intricately detailed handbag made to resemble a miniature bookstore. Maru’s upcycled coat was an unforgettable runway moment as she presented a complete storytelling piece.
Decorated with appliqués like mini Chesterfield chairs and picture frames. There was even a fully functional lamp which lit up the runway.
Each of the winners received sustainable trophies, made from upcycled materials, created by The Rediscovery Centre.
