Nassau Teen Heads To Global Fashion Competition Final In Abu Dhabi

GLEN COVE, NY — A Glen Cove teenager will bring an outfit she designed using creativity and innovation to an Abu Dhabi runway in January, part of the finals of a global fashion competition that challenges young people to create high-end fashion from recycled items.

Glen Cove High School's Natalia Monsale advanced to the final after qualifying at the New York finals in June, and will now compete against 59 students from places like Milan, London, Paris and the United Arab Emirates.

Junk Kouture is open to 13 to 18-year-olds, and encourages sustainability and creativity in teenagers.

Monsale created an outfit she called Grandstar, made out of duct tape and paper clips and inspired by the night sky.

She will head to Abu Dhabi with her fashion illustration teacher Leeann Palazzo, who helped Monsale along with four other Glen Cove students enter the competition. Virginia Papasidero, Betzy Mejia, Lizbeth Rojas and Anoushka Glouchkjov also displayed their creations at the New York City final.

“The District is so very proud of Natalia for taking her outstanding creation to new heights by competing in an international fashion competition,” Glen Cove Superintendent Maria Rianna said.

“Her achievement is a perfect example of what Glen Cove students could achieve when they put their mind to it. We will continue to encourage our students to take their classwork beyond the classroom by participating in competitions like Junk Kouture.”

The contest will award prizes in several categories, along with the top award, the 2022 World Designer of the Year, on Jan. 11, 2023.