The Miss Ireland hopeful is proving she can be chic and climate-friendly by wearing only items she’s bought second-hand, upcycled, or made herself.
Maya McMonaglu, 19, a sustainable fashion designer from Drogheda, represents Co Louth at the competition’s 75th Annual Diamond Jubilee.
“I campaigned to show that fashion doesn’t have to come at the cost of the planet,” she said. I wear four times as many clothes as I have.
“Participating in Miss Ireland has allowed me to spread the word about St. Vincent de Paul and the wealth we have in our community through our charity shop. I can wear something and it’s mine, someone else can wear it and it’s theirs.
Maya said a recent fashion show that the contestants attended was particularly successful in getting her message across.
“All my looks at the show were from St. Vincent de Paul, one of which was completely upcycled. , said I would go to a local charity shop.I am definitely making an impact and spreading awareness and I will continue to do so.”
Maija began her sustainable fashion journey at the age of 10 when she began designing items using materials she found around her home.
“I used a sewing machine to make tablecloths, bath mats, whatever I could get my hands on,” she recalls.
“When I was 14, I went to New York Fashion Week and spread awareness about plastic in the ocean through shows and designs.It then exploded into a sustainable fashion brand and I loved it. became.”
Maya says she is proud to continue to promote sustainable clothing and design.
“My 10-year-old self would be proud of me too,” she added. I started designing in.The environment and fashion have given me a platform to spread awareness about those things.They are all interconnected.They are connected.I am on the right path. I am confident that we are moving forward.”
Maya said she took inspiration from last year’s winner and scientist Pamela Uva to join Miss Ireland.
“When I saw Pamela Uva win the ‘Beauty with Purpose’ campaign last year by handing iPads directly to children, I had no idea Miss Ireland had done that. From your beauty…but I’ve found that you are being judged by your whole spirit and what you can do for your community.
Maya joins 36 other finalists in vying for the crown of Miss Ireland next Saturday at the Royal Theater in Castlebar, Mayo.
Our “Climate Heroes” series of reports shine a light on those who are committed to protecting the environment and tackling climate change. These people come from all walks of life but share a common purpose of making the world around us better.