STUDENTS from Wirral will be representing the UK with their fashion designs made entirely from “junk”.

On Wednesday (May 10) 30 up-and-coming creators and fashion designers took part in the London City Final as part of Junk Kouture’s Festival of Finals.

The top ten London haute-couture designs made from 100% recycled materials and their student design teams were announced as they were chosen by a panel of esteemed Junk Kouture judges.

The panel consisted of UK Broadcaster and Author Mehreen Baig, technical judge Jane Leavey, the programme director for fashion design at Griffith College and student judge Maxim O’Sullivan, 2019 Overall Winner of Junk Kouture and fashion design student at Central St Martins, London.

Pupils Lydia and Natalie from St John Plessington Catholic Secondary School in Bebington are among the ten designers heading for the World Final with their ‘Clockmaker’ design inspired by Victorian corsets and equestrian costumes.

The pair took inspiration from horse saddles, bridles, stirrups and manes for the armour and made their design from a variety of recycled materials including pond lining scraps formed the armour, mirror plates and D rings from paintings, split pins, bike cogs and ribbons for construction.

Speaking of their design, Lydia and Natalie told the Globe: “The mask was recycled paper maché and old book paper and my great nana’s jewellery beads. The top hat was a “dressing-up” Mad Hatter’s Hat. For the white garments, I discovered my Great Nana’s 1950s girdles with suspenders and altered these into a top and skirt. Her lace curtains formed the over-skirt and collar.”

Miss Holt from St John Plessington, added: "Lydia and Natalie have worked so hard to create a unique and intricate Couture design out of Junk. At SJP we are so proud of how our students are able to create garments out of things that would otherwise be put in the bin. Their creativity is just phenomenal.”

The 10 designs from London will compete against 50 other designs, 10 from each of Junk Kouture’s other city final winners in New York, Paris, Milan, Dublin, and Abu Dhabi. At the World Final, there will be six individual City Designer Awards for each location plus the coveted title of Junk Kouture World Designer of the Year.

Junk Kouture judge, UK Broadcaster and Author Mehreen Baig said: “I'm absolutely delighted to have been a part of the Junk Kouture judging panel for the London City Final once again. It's been such a privilege to witness these young designers' creative self-expression and commitment to sustainability and ethical fashion practices.

“The way they expressed themselves through their innovative designs that combine sustainability, creativity and style, was truly inspiring. I am excited to see their designs come to life and cheer them on at the Junk Kouture World Final in London.”

The showcase will take place on October 12 at the OVO Arena Wembley in London.