https://www.independent.ie/regionals/carlow/news/see-the-carlow-junk-kouture-designs-combining-fashion-with-education/a912329529.html
Designed by Casey Cullen and Lillian Swift and modelled by Megan Weekes, ‘Natures Fairytale’ took to the Helix stage at the regional finals.
The three Coláiste Eoin Hacketstown students have dedicated many long hours to perfect their design which is both beautiful and educational.
“The design was inspired by nature. We wanted to bring together fairy tales and nature so we took a lot of inspiration from a Japanese fairy tale called the Peony Princes. This fairy tale is about a young girl who almost falls into a lake but she is saved by a samurai covered in her favourite flowers which are peonies,” explained designer Lillian.
"We wanted to create her fairy tale wedding dress but we also wanted to talk about nature in the sense that trees are cut down and are turned into paper which are turned into books but the books are being almost married back into nature through the wedding dress with the flowers we made out of recycled paper that we placed on the dress.”
Lillian added: “ The dress is made out of loads of old books pages, some old books from the school that weren’t in use anymore and books from my attic. We also used curtain linings for the under skirt and plastic wrap to keep the skirt in form. All of the materials have been recycled.
Works on the design started back in September and model, Megan Weekes said she can’t wait to show off the outfit at the regional finals.
"I’m really excited. I’m so glad that I’m getting this experience. I can’t wait showcase what we have made especially because we have put so much time into it and we're really proud of it. Once I have the performance done I think it will give me a really big confidence boost.
"I have done lots of practice with the dress on especially to make sure I have the timings right for the performance with the music. We chose the song ‘Young and Beautiful’ by Lana Del Ray for the performance because we thought it really symbolised the story of the Peony Princess as she is young and beautiful and getting married in her favourite dress with her favourite flowers.”
Designer Casey Cullen already had an interest and a talent for art before getting involved with Junk Kouture. She said she is so proud of the design that the team came up with.
“I think we are just so proud to be able to show our work after spending so much time on it. This is the first time that our school has gotten through to the regional finals so we are just extra proud of ourselves and the design because it is a big achievement.”
Casey added: “Doing Junk Kouture has given me more of an interest in fashion. I have always liked art and fashion and I did my ten week work experience in the Visual which is an art and gallery space in Carlow Town. My experience in TY with taking part in Junk Kouture and the work experience in the Visual has really helped me find my passion for art and fashion.”