Theo Connolly, a student at Dundalk Grammar School, whose entry Le Nouveau Riche won the Ready to Wear award at the Junk Kouture World Finals in Monaco
Theo Connolly, a sixth year student from Dundalk Grammer School, put Ireland on the fashion map when he won an award at the Junk Kouture World Finals in Monaco last night.
His gender neutral creation ‘Le Nouveau Riche’ scooped the award for ‘Ready to Wear’ on stage at a packed Gramaldi Forum.
Theo, who is from Blackrock, Co Louth, was one of ten finalists chosen to represent Ireland alongside teams from New York, Paris, Milan, UAE, and London.
Winning was a huge achievement for the talented teen as he was up against over 200 participants from over 20 countries across 5 continents.
Congratulating Theo on his success Dundalk Grammar School said it was “an incredible award which truly highlights Theo’s hard work and dedication in creating a runway ready attire – very fitting for his hopeful future in the fashion industry.
“We are so proud of all Theo’s hard work.”
Theo’s inspiration was heavily influenced by the elaborate and intricate Venetian masks and the mysterious plague doctor masks while also by the opulent and extravagant fashion of the rococo era in France. To bring his vision to life, he incorporated elements from the iconic painting “Marie Antoinette in a white chemise dress”
To make the dress he used waste from vaccine centres (vaccine caps, vaccine vials, and needle caps), a wedding dress and cardboard.
Theo’s art teacher is Hannah Martin who was in the audience to see him win the award.