"Personal Statement"

Some people call me quirky. Why? Unlike most girls my age, I don't want to merely buy and wear someone else's designs, I have a desire to design and create custom garments for people who seek originality the way I do. I am in the process of appling to university, which is a fundamental step in my journey to creating the next cutting-edge designs in the haute couture industry.

I have studied Art & Design since the age of eleven and obtained an A* at GCSE, an A at AS Level and I am aiming for an A* at A Level. Throughout these years I have studied and specialised in sewing and embroidery, silk painting and ceramics. I embrace technology and understand the need to showcase and market my skills; creating an online blog for which I do my own photography, I find it an interesting way to chart the progress of my projects and also connect with other designers and bloggers from all around the world. I also have an independent fashion and design blog, displaying my projects, design ideas, what inspires my work, and designers which influence my work (for example; Rami Kadi, Manish Malhotra and Valentino).
For my work placement I chose a bridal store that designs and alters wedding gowns. The staff recognized my passion and skill level, offering me a part-time job with the dressmaking team. I am still gaining invaluable knowledge and experience from this job in tailoring and working with customer demands.

Volunteering as a backstage crew-member at Belfast Fashion Week was an extremely rewarding experience. I dressed the models and was given the authority as a stylist to coordinate and accessorize each outfit to enhance the collections. I loved working hands-on backstage, dealing directly with the models and the clothes and found myself thriving in the adrenaline-fuelled environment. This experience further cemented my desire to work in the fashion industry.

I designed and created my own gown for my school formal, immersing myself in every step of the process, from my design sketches and sourcing my fabric to sewing on the final hook and eye.
Mentoring younger students in art (specifically silk painting) and tutoring art to children with special needs at a local primary school is very rewarding and teaches me how to work with people of all abilities. I attended a Print Workshop where I was taught how to dry-point etch, this course widened my range of skills throughout the various mediums of art and design. My interests and hobbies include Irish dancing (I am a former Ulster Champion), gymnastics (I am a former Ulster Champion) and I am also a member of the school choir. I am currently pursuing
the Pope John Paul II Award (voluntary work within school, parish and local community) and I am a Eucharistic Minister. Within school: I am a Senior Prefect; a fashion editor for the school magazine, having recently written an article about my interview with the owner of one of Ireland's largest formal dress stores; a member of the CASS (Care & Share Society) and a member of the Fairtrade Group. Embracing the opportunities presented to me has taught me to be
disciplined, to focus on time-management and to fully commit myself to each endeavour. I enjoy my life being busy, energetic and challenging, reassuring me that I will flourish in the fast-paced fashion industry. I love working with others and being a part of a team, but I also see myself as a fair and effective leader.

With my particular interest in the traditional style of design and dressmaking, I feel that my ambition would be well served if I travelled outside of Northern Ireland and based my studies in a city that is enriched with culture and inspiration.
I look forward to challenging myself and pushing not only my own personal boundaries but also the boundaries within the couture industry. I feel that in my chosen course I will be able to listen to my own creativity and do what haute couture designers do best, take a simple thought and develop it like a piece of art, with its own unique story.