Enable Ireland has announced the launch of a new competition, ‘The Final Find’ a nationwide search for Ireland’s most creative stylists and upcyclers, all leading up to the ultimate celebration of sustainable fashion this Autumn.
The competition opens now, with entries accepted until 18 July.
The charity, which has shops on 1 High Street, Ennis, invites upcyclers and stylists from Clare to prove the unlimited potential of pre-loved clothing by creating an iconic outfit. The catch: the outfit must be created from a mystery bag of second-hand clothing. Whether you’re a design student, charity shop fanatic, or once transformed your mam’s dress from the 80’s into a two-piece concert outfit – this is your time to shine.
The ultimate winners in two categories, ‘Upcycler’ and ‘Stylist’, will be decided by a panel of Ireland’s most recognisable figures within sustainable styling and upcycling. Their styles will be promoted on Enable Ireland’s social media platforms, and prizes will include a €500 voucher, a professional photoshoot and media exposure.
Oonagh O’Connor, Head of Commercial at Enable Ireland, said: “We’ve all got that friend who can turn a pair of curtains into a red-carpet look, or who always finds the best bits in a charity shop. That’s who ‘The Final Find’ is for. This competition is about celebrating the kind of creativity that doesn’t need a big budget – just imagination, a few pre-loved pieces, and the confidence to try something different. We can’t wait to see what people come up with.”
Now open for entrants, participants must first demonstrate their flair for sustainable fashion by introducing themselves and their unique style via Instagram or TikTok. All entrants must also complete a short submission form at enableireland.ie/thefinalfind. If your phone gallery is full of pinterest outfit inspos or upcycle hacks, you’re already halfway there.
Successful entrants’ skills will then be put to the test when they receive the mystery bag of clothing carefully selected by Enable Ireland’s retail team. Each bag will include a unique mix of donated items. Each week, creators will go head-to-head online, judged by secret special guests. Stylists will have to use the contents of the mystery bag to curate one styled look, while upcyclers will take the items from the mystery bag and transform them into one completely new look.
Finalists in each category will then be welcomed to the runway to showcase their looks at a glamorous in person fashion show event in October. It promises to be a celebration of circular fashion, creative reuse and self-expression. A winner will be crowned in each category as well as an ultimate overall champion.
With 28 shops located across the country, Enable Ireland charity shops are a regular go-to for thrifters and customers looking to shop more sustainably and find quality pre-loved fashion pieces at bargain prices.
Entrants must be 18 years old or over. For more details about the competition, terms and conditions, and how to enter, visit: enableireland.ie/thefinalfind