Congratulations: National recognition for Mayo student

COMMUNITY NOTES: KILTIMAGH - WESTERN PEOPLE (MAY 5 EDITION)

A student from St Louis Community School in Kiltimagh has secured national recognition in sustainable fashion following a standout success at this year’s Relove Fashion competition.

Fifth-year student Elzbieta Klonowska was announced as the overall national winner at the final held in Dublin City University on April 15th. Her design also claimed the top prize for the Connacht–Ulster region, marking a significant achievement for both the student and her school.

The competition attracted almost 300 entries from across Ireland, with 58 finalists selected to represent 29 local authority areas. From these, 24 award winners were chosen, with Elzbieta's design emerging as the overall winner.

Speaking to the Western People about the competition, Elzbieta described its focus on sustainability and practical fashion.

“The Relove competition is about making something sustainable. You research sustainability in fashion and then use something that was already used or second-hand and make something new out of it,” she said. “The idea is that it’s wearable, it can be washed and used in real life.”

Her winning outfit was inspired by the character Operetta from Monster High, reimagined through a rockabilly aesthetic. The design featured a structured dress with a layered underskirt and detailed finishing.

“I started with a black jumpsuit and a few other pieces,” she explained. “I put them together into a dress. My mother gave me old curtains and I used them to make a petticoat. I also made a lot of roses to give it volume.”

Materials were sourced from a combination of charity shops, her own wardrobe and online resale platforms.

“I like using things that already exist and turning them into something new,” she said. “That’s what I want to focus on in the future as well.”

The judging panel praised the technical skill and creativity behind the piece. One judge commented that the design stood out due to “the level of craftsmanship and thoughtful repurposing in every element”, highlighting the use of reworked materials and the detailed construction of the garment.

Elzbieta admitted that the result came as a surprise.

“I thought I might win a smaller prize like last year, but I didn’t expect to win the whole competition,” she said. “It was a shock when I found out.”

Her success builds on previous experience in the competition, having taken part during her Transition Year.

“I entered last year on my own because I was already interested in fashion,” she said. “I won a prize then and I wanted to try again, especially because I want to go into fashion as a career.”

The process involved submitting the completed design for judging ahead of the final event.

“You send it in a box with a delivery slip and they judge it from there,” she explained. “You don’t see it again until the final.”

Elzbieta, who lives in Knock, said her interest in fashion had developed over time through practical work.

“I was already sewing before the competition, just doing small things,” she said. “This gave me something bigger to work on.”

Looking ahead, she hopes to pursue fashion design at third level.

“I want to study in Limerick,” she said. “There’s a course there that I’m interested in. I’d like to work in fashion design and create pieces for the runway as well as collections people can wear.”

She also outlined a clear focus on sustainability in her future work.

“I don’t want to use new materials if I can avoid it,” she said. “I want to keep using existing materials and make something different from them.”

Elzbieta pointed to established designers as sources of inspiration, including Rei Kawakubo.

“I like designers who do something different,” she said. “I prefer that approach.”

Teachers at St Louis Community School have supported her participation in the competition, and first introduced the initiative to students. Elzbieta said she initially approached friends about taking part but decided to enter independently.

“I just went ahead and did it myself,” she said.

Her achievement reflects a growing interest among young designers in sustainable practices and alternative approaches to fashion. The Relove Fashion competition places emphasis on reuse and environmental awareness, encouraging participants to rethink how clothing is produced and worn.

For Elzbieta, the experience has reinforced her ambition to pursue a career in the industry.

“It’s something I want to keep doing,” she said. “This has helped me see what I can achieve if I keep working at it.”

Her success at national level represents a notable milestone and places her among the leading young designers in the country, with further opportunities likely to follow as she continues her studies.