Junk Kouture at ISN Nice: Where STEAM Meets Sustainability
Junk Kouture is the world’s largest sustainable fashion competition for young creatives.
It challenges students aged 13–18 to design, upcycle, and model high-end couture made entirely from 100% recycled materials. This global platform brings together elements of fashion, design, engineering, and environmental advocacy, offering students a stage to showcase their ingenuity in cities like Paris, London, Milan, and New York.
The Power of STEAM and our Eco-School Commitment
As a certified Eco-School, we are always looking for ways to turn environmental lessons into real-world action. Junk Kouture is the perfect example of this. It brings STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) to life!
Our students design outfits and have to figure out how to make recycled plastics feel light and elegant, how to engineer structures that can move on a runway, and how to turn everyday "rubbish" into something beautiful. Much of their creative vision is inspired by the natural beauty of the Mediterranean, reflecting the colours and textures of our unique coastline. It’s a hands-on way for them to solve environmental problems using both their technical skills and their imagination.
Our Junk Kouture Journey Highlights
3 Consecutive Years of Paris City Finalists.
World Finalists representing France on the global stage in Monaco.
Award Winners: Winners of the "Best Performance Prize" at the Junk Kouture World Final.
2026: Team “Doveolea”
Our most recent success features the talented trio of Céline, Asher, and Hanrui. Their design, “Doveolea,” was selected as a finalist for the Paris City Final from a competitive field of over 400 entries. Guided by ISN Director Mel Curtis, the team spent months meticulously crafting a garment that balances a delicate aesthetic with a powerful message of peace and environmental preservation. We are incredibly proud to see them carry the ISN torch to Paris this year.
“We are very happy that all those months of hard-work have been recognised and we were so excited to hear the news. We also greatly appreciate all the support we’ve received from the school and Mrs. Curtis.”
- ISN Doveolea Junk Kouture Team - Céline, Asher & Hanrui
2025: Team “Amphitrite”
In 2025, ISN continued its streak of excellence with the design "Amphitrite," created by the talented team of Isabela, Julia, and Erik. Named after the Greek goddess of the sea, this entry showcased our students' ability to blend mythology with modern environmentalism. The team utilised intricate techniques to transform discarded materials into a maritime-inspired masterpiece, securing their place among the top young designers at the Paris City Finals, and they were selected for the Junk Kouture World Finals!
2023/4: “From Coastline to Wasteline”
This year marked a historic milestone as ISN Nice reached the Junk Kouture World Final held at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco. Our finalists—Vega, Luisa, and Lily—represented the French Riviera on the global stage with their design “From Coastline to Wasteline.” Their performance was a masterclass in storytelling, earning them the prestigious Best Performance Prize for highlighting the urgent threat of plastic pollution in our Mediterranean home.
Congratulations to all our past and present designers for proving that sustainability is the ultimate fashion statement!