Vote for Amy to turn trash into art treasure

Lower Sixth pupil Amy McDowell, 17, has reached the regional finals with her striking ‘Venetian blind’ dress, which she designed as part of her GCSE art project.

The purpose of the Junk Kouture compeitition is to create wearable art from junk, educating young people about the importance of recycling.

Amy told the Times that the design of the dress was inspired by Venice.

“The dress is made from recycled curtains, net curtains and venetian blinds, hence the name of the piece,” she explained.

“It is a double pun due to the mask itself, which renders people blind to the identity of the model wearing it, as it would have for Venetian courtiers in days gone by.

“Over 1,100 entries were submitted this year and my design was chosen as one of only 320 designs to make it to the regional finals. One of the judges is Louis Walsh, which I thought was really cool. I am hoping that the Larne public will vote for my dress.”

Amy hopes to go on to study fashion at the London College of Fashion, and to one day see many more of her designs grace the catwalk.

The winning model will receive two dresses/outfits and an invite to The Royal Film Premiere in London. The winning school will receive £2,500 cash, while the winning team will receive €500 and iPad Minis.

To vote for Amy, visit the Facebook page ‘BOI students’ and select ‘Venetian Blind’. Voting closes at midnight on Friday February 26.