TWO Cork schools, St Mary’s Secondary School Macroom and Coláiste Muire Cobh, were among seven secondary schools from Cork, Clare, Cavan, and Dublin selected as finalists for the 2026 Green-Schools Let’s Fix Fashion Catwalk, held on April 16th at Brú Ború Heritage Centre.

The inspiring event brought together 45 student models showcasing sustainable creations, highlighting the importance of tackling fast fashion and promoting circular fashion practices among young people across Ireland.

Let’s Fix Fashion is an initiative of An Taisce Green-Schools and aims to raise awareness among secondary school students about the environmental and social impact of fast fashion. Students were challenged to either create a look for less than €30 from a charity shop or design a new outfit or accessory by upcycling old or used materials. Cork schools were invited to participate through support from Cork County Council.

Schools earned their place in the final by completing a series of sustainability-focused tasks throughout the school year, including documentary screenings, communication takeovers, upcycling projects, circular economy design thinking activities, and organising school swap shops.

The 2026 campaign marked the fifth year of Let’s Fix Fashion and expanded internationally, with participating schools in Kenya, South Africa, and Dubai joining Irish schools in exploring textile reuse, circular innovation, and sustainable fashion solutions. More than 52 schools participated throughout the year, with seven schools reaching the final catwalk event in Cashel.

This year’s campaign included five virtual events covering key themes such as the impact of fast fashion, culture and identity, upcycling, circular economy, and clothes sharing initiatives. More than 100 classroom screenings of the documentary Losing the Thread: The True Cost of Fast Fashion were also facilitated through MyWaste.ie.

Students attending the Brú Ború finale also took part in presentations, a swap shop, and a mend-and-repair station, reinforcing the importance of reusing and reworking materials and giving clothes a second life. Among the standout participants were students Sarah Burns and Elizabeth Peeke from Coláiste Muire, who served as ambassadors for the programme this year after showing outstanding commitment since the campaign began five years ago. Elizabeth Peeke delivered an engaging presentation on the environmental and social impacts of fast fashion, highlighting its effects on marine ecosystems, forestry, wider society, and school communities.

Sarah Burns played a leading role during the event, confidently introducing students across categories including thrifted fashion, upcycling, cultural wear, accessories, and the teacher category. She also modelled two of her own creative designs, including a fully upcycled outfit featuring a reconstructed childhood dress, reworked thrifted denim, handmade leg warmers, charity shop jewellery, and a flower crown made from leftover fabric scraps. In the cultural wear category, Sarah wore an upcycled dress originally belonging to her grandmother, symbolising family heritage and sustainability while demonstrating how clothing can carry meaning across generations.

Another memorable moment came from student Habeebat, who shared a heartfelt reflection on her experience with the campaign while wearing a beautifully tailored Nigerian outfit made from Ankara fabric, showcasing culture, identity, and sustainable fashion together on the runway. Students from St Mary’s Macroom also impressed judges with their strong commitment to sustainability. Four students took to the catwalk, with Dáimhin modelling a sweater paired with a black skirt, tights, and shoes sourced from the school’s swap shop; Chloe showcasing an upcycled skirt made from leftover fabric; Aoibheann wearing a brown skirt with white polka dots; and Hannah modelling denim shorts finished with lace trim. The school was recognised for its dedication to organising swap shops and hosting upcycling workshops, where students brought in old and damaged clothing and learned practical mend-and-repair skills from their peers. The participation of Cork students at the Let’s Fix Fashion finale highlights the growing impact of youth-led sustainability initiatives. Through creativity, leadership, and innovation, these students are helping to reshape attitudes towards fashion and inspire meaningful environmental action for the future.