'Relove' competition returns for Westmeath secondary schools

The Relove Fashion competition, run by Westmeath County Council in conjunction with nine other local authorities, invites secondary students to explore creative reuse options such as upcycling, repairs, alterations and mending.

Cathaoirleach Ken Glynn (pictured above) formally launched the competition stating:

“I am delighted to launch this competition in a time when it is critical to take action against climate change.

"Our clothes are an area in which each and every one of us can make a difference. By looking at the clothes we wear, the people who make them and the impact the clothing industry has on our world we see the real cost of fast fashion and why it is so important that we alter our actions to change," began the Cathaoirleach.

“I encourage students to get involved – they can enter on their own or as part of a team and the overall winner has the chance of winning a prize to the value of €1,000 for their school.”

The Relove Fashion competition encourages students to use their design and repair skills to make their own fashion statement by sourcing clothing from a charity shop, swap shop or by reusing items already in their home.

Ruth Maxwell, Environment Department, Westmeath County Council, states:

“A county final will be held in each of the 10 participating local authorities and all county finalists will be invited to a virtual fashion showcase hosted at the Rediscovery Centre, Dublin where their outfits and storyboards will be displayed and judged by professionals in the fashion and sustainability sector”.

The competition pack sets out the marking scheme and sets out a breakdown of the scoring under each of the following headings: style & creativity, wearability, sourcing, skills used, storyboard and the student’s view on making fashion more sustainable.

Those wishing to take part must submit an “Expression of interest” form by 5pm on the 16th October to awareness@westmeathcoco.ie. Further information can be found on www.westmeathcoco.ie or by emailing awareness@westmeathcoco.ie or phoning 044 933 2125.