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Young creatives aged 17 to 25 are being challenged to transform discarded garments destined for landfill into bold designs that redefine what it means to be stylish and sustainable as part of EcoCouture, a competition forming part of Newry Museum's forthcoming Fashioned by Nature programme.
The competition dares entrants to show the world that fashion can be fabulous without costing the Earth, with designs expected to reflect the principles of upcycling and eco-conscious fashion by turning waste into something extraordinary.
Entrants must source discarded or unwanted clothing items that would otherwise end up in landfill and transform these items into a new garment or outfit that is stylish, wearable and original. They must then document the process by submitting photos or videos showing the journey from discarded items to finished piece, along with a short description of the concept and materials used.
A panel of fashion industry professionals and museum staff will judge entries based on creativity and originality, sustainability, fashion appeal and the quality of documentation and storytelling. Thanks to the generosity of Newry BID, winners will receive vouchers with first prize worth £250, second prize £150 and third prize £100.
The deadline for entries is Friday 20 March 2026 and submissions should be emailed to museum.assistants@nmandd.org
Shortlisted designs will be displayed at Newry and Mourne Museum as part of the Fashioned by Nature programme of talks, workshops and debates running from 16 April to 2 May 2026.
Fashioned By Nature 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 the museum to examine how global trade in dyes, fibres and biological materials shaped fashion, altered ecosystems and affected communities worldwide, as well as fast fashion's significant contribution to environmental degradation today.
The museum will be collaborating with local universities, colleges, community groups and those involved in sustainable textile and fashion production to 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.
For further information, email shan.mcanena@nmandd.org.
Terms & Conditions
By entering EcoCouture, you agree to these Terms & Conditions in full.
1. Eligibility
• Entrants must be aged 17–25 as of 31 March 2026 and reside in Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland.
• Entries must be submitted under the designer’s own name (not a business). Teams may include up to 3 designers.
• Designers must own the garment and cover all transport and packaging costs to and from NMM.
2. Entry Requirements
• Garments must:
- Be original and completed within the last year.
- Embrace circular economy principles (made from discarded garments, waste, renewable or recyclable materials).
- Be wearable and safe for display (no perishable materials, real fur, exotic skins, wild feathers, or electronic components).
- No visible trademarks or logos; entries must not infringe third-party IP.
- Multiple entries allowed. Garments previously shown elsewhere are eligible.
- Please do not publicly share images/videos of your entry before the exhibition opening
Submission process
Send your entry to musuems@nmandd.org by the stated deadline.
Provide:
- Name, email and telephone number.
- A short biography.
- Garment component list.
- Up to 10 clear photos or a short video (max 3 mins) showing recycled materials and all garment views.
- Title (35 characters max), materials list, and a 200-word maximum inspiration statement.
- The physical garment must match submitted images.
Judging & Prizes
• The closing date for submissions is Friday 20 March 2026.
• Shortlisted designers will be advised by Friday 27 March 2026 and must deliver their entries to NMM by Friday 10 April 2026.
• The display at NMM will run from 16 April 2026 to 31 May 2026.
• Decisions by judges and NMM are final.
• Prizes: £250, £150, £100 sponsored by Newry BID in vouchers (no cash alternative).
5. Display & Safety
- NMM provides mannequins and may adjust garments for preservation with the designer’s permission.
- Garments must include a concealed label with entry name.
- NMM is not liable for damage before or after display; max liability £250. Insurance is the designer’s responsibility.
6. Media & Promotion
- Designers grant NMM rights to photograph, film, and use images/media for promotional, educational, and exhibition purposes worldwide, royalty-free.
- Audiences may photograph garments during the exhibition.
- Designers retain garment ownership.
7. Privacy
- Personal data will be handled per NMDDC’s privacy policy
- NMM reserves the right to disqualify entries at any stage for safety, reputational, or compliance reasons.
