A marvellous mermaid design by three Inishowen students made a splash at this week’s Junk Kouture Regional Finals.
The dress, created using plastic bottles, recycled pearls and seashells, was based on an inclusive design for models with a disability.
It was the brainchild of Moville Community College trio, Maia McDermott, Alicia Atherton and Clara Doherty.
Maia modelled the dress on the stage of a packed Helix Theatre in DCU on Wednesday, where she had an overwhelming response.
As the only model of the night who was a wheelchair user, it was a very proud moment for Maia and the team.
Team member Alicia is an ambulatory wheelchair user too, so the girls were very passionate that this design would have a special meaning.
Maia McDermott from Moville Community College at the Junk Kouture Regional Final in Dublin
“Our dress was called ‘Freedom’ because we believe the water can give freedom to people with disabilities (physical or mental) and freedom to wear the dress easily in a wheelchair,” Maia told Donegal Daily.
“The dress was made from plastic bottles, old pearls, crushed mirror, shells and crushed shells. We used an old tutu for the end of the skirt to make the ‘fin’ effect.”
Under the guidance of art teacher Ms. Niamh Hegarty, they chose the mermaid design to tie in with the global Sustainable Development Goal – life below water. They also used their seaside home to their advantage when collecting materials.
The amazing Freedom underwater-themed dress
After a busy day and a whirlwind night in the Helix, the team were delighted to be one of the designs selected for the Dublin City Finals in May.
“The whole regional final was an unbelievable experience and we are so grateful and still a bit shocked,” said Maia.
The FREEDOM team at the Junk Kouture Regional Final in Dublin
Junk Kouture, founded by Buncrana man Troy Armour, is the world’s largest sustainable fashion competition challenging schools to design, upcycle and create high-end sustainable fashion from recycled junk.
Rising Donegal stars took care of the entertainment in the Helix this week, with Muff DJ Ois Bosh and Killybegs band The Debonairs performing to the lively crowd.
Stay tuned to Donegal Daily for a full list of Donegal designs and results from the final.
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