For Grade 10 student Maana ‘27, fashion goes beyond style. It is a form of storytelling, a canvas for creativity, and a platform for sustainability. Recently, her passion for both art and science came together in a powerful way through her entry in the 2025 Junk Kouture competition, where she designed and constructed a dress entirely from recycled materials. After months of dedicated work, Maana is now one of ten finalists selected to represent the United Arab Emirates at the Junk Kouture World Finals later this year.
Maana has long been drawn to design and fashion. She often creates outfits from recycled fabric scraps and enjoys crocheting her own clothing. When she first learned about Junk Kouture—a global competition challenging students to create high-fashion pieces from everyday waste—she knew she had found the perfect opportunity to blend her interests with creativity and sustainability. With support from her art teacher, Ms. Mills, Maana dedicated two semesters of her Design Studio and Art classes to bring her vision to life.
Her final piece, titled AfterParty, draws inspiration from Dubai’s vibrant city and nightlife. Constructed from soda can tabs collected from a hotel, alongside balloon strings, ribbon, a tablecloth, and even crocheted strips of garbage bags, the dress is both inventive and intricate. Maana’s favorite part of the ensemble—a sculptural hat made from garbage bags—was nearly left out due to external feedback. “My grandmother wasn’t sure about the hat,” Maana shared. “But I decided to stay true to my idea—and I’m really glad I did.”
I’ve learned that staying true to what you envision is key. That’s what makes your design stand out.
Looking ahead, Maana is excited to see where her interests will take her. While she’s still exploring her options for life after high school, she knows that fashion, art, science, and sustainability will be the core to her future. Whether through further studies or a future career that brings these passions together, Maana is determined to keep creating with purpose and making a positive impact.
Congratulations, Maana, on your creativity, perseverance, and for proudly representing ASD and the UAE on a global stage!
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