Athlone woman wins top prize in sustainable fashion competition

An Athlone woman has has been crowned overall winner of a national sustainable fashion competition.

Maru da Costa O’Doherty from Garnafailagh, Athlone, claimed the top prize at Enable Ireland's 'The Final Find' competition, a nationwide search for Ireland’s most creative stylists and upcyclers, the grand finale of which took place at The Complex in Smithfield, Dublin.

The 33-year-old, who works as an Environmental Compliance Officer, also won the Upcycling category.

Her triumphant look brought dark academia to life with sustainable fashion. It included a faux leather skirt reworked with checkered godets, plus an intricately detailed handbag made to resemble a miniature bookstore.

Maru’s upcycled coat presented a complete storytelling piece. Decorated with appliqués like mini Chesterfield chairs and picture frames. There was even a functional lamp that lit up the runway.

Maru described being the overall winner of Enable Ireland's Final Find competition as being a "special moment".

"I am blown away by how inspiring and kind the other contestants were. It felt more like a creative family than a competition. I am buzzing with excitement and am so glad to bring the first ever winning trophy home to Athlone.

"Upcycling can be a powerful tool to tell your story, and I genuinely hope that the Final Find sparks a small ripple in people's hearts to inspire them to try second hand and discover the magic in reimagining the old into new," Maru said.

Enable Ireland’s sustainable fashion competition, ‘The Final Find’, is a celebration of circular fashion, creativity and sustainability, with all looks created by the finalists incorporating used items from Enable Ireland charity shops.