EcoCouture at Newry & Mourne Museum

Step into the future of fashion with EcoCouture, part of our forthcoming Fashioned by Nature programme, the ultimate challenge for creative minds aged 17–25. This competition dares you to transform discarded garments destined for landfill into bold designs that redefine what it means to be stylish and sustainable. It’s not just about making clothes - it’s about making a statement. Show the world that fashion can be fabulous without costing the Earth!

Your design should reflect the principles of upcycling and eco-conscious fashion, turning waste into something extraordinary.

How It Works

1. Source Your Materials
Use discarded or unwanted clothing items that would otherwise end up in landfill.

2. Create Your Design
Transform these items into a new garment or outfit that is stylish, wearable, and original.

3. Document Your Process
Submit photos or videos showing the journey from discarded items to finished piece. Include a short description of your concept and materials used.

Judging Criteria

Our panel of fashion industry professionals and museum staff will be looking for:

• Creativity & Originality:  How unique and innovative is your design?

• Sustainability:  How effectively have you reused and repurposed materials?

• Fashion Appeal: Is the final garment stylish and fashion-forward?

• Presentation: Quality of documentation and storytelling.

Thanks to the generosity of Newry BID, winners will receive vouchers to the value of:

• 1st Prize: £250
• 2nd Prize: £150
• 3rd Prize: £100

How to Enter

• Age: 17–25 years old

• Submit your entry with:

• Photos/videos of your process

• Final garment images

• Short description of your design concept

• Deadline: Friday 20 March 2026 – please email your entry to museum.assistants@nmandd.org

• More Information: please email shan.mcanena@nmandd.org for further information.

Exhibition

Shortlisted designs will be displayed at Newry & Mourne Museum as part of our Fashioned by Nature programme of talks, workshops and debates on the from April to May 2026.

Fashioned By Nature (April 16 to 2 May 2026) is a programme of workshops, talks, and activities designed to engage visitors in exploring the environmental and economic impact of fashion from the 18th century to the present day. Newry’s rich history as an international port provides a compelling backdrop, allowing us to examine how global trade in dyes, fibres, and biological materials shaped fashion, altered ecosystems, and affected communities worldwide, and fast fashion’s significant contribution to environmental degradation today.

We’ll be collaborating with local universities, colleges, community groups, and those involved in sustainable textile and fashion production. Together, we’ll delve into the history of clothing manufacture, repurposing, and disposal, discussing its impact on people and the planet, debating ethical and practical solutions, sharing skills, and hopefully inspiring a new generation of changemakers.