From Curtains to Couture: ATU Donegal fashion students showcase eco-conscious collections – Donegal Woman

ATU Donegal’s BA Fashion Design with Promotion students made a sustainable statement this Wednesday, transforming the university canteen into a runway for their end-of-year collections.

The showcase, themed around the green agenda, was a kaleidoscope of colours and innovative styles that breathed new life into pre-loved and discarded materials.

Pre-loved curtains, surplus fabric, and leftover materials were reimagined into everything from workwear to luxurious womenswear and striking contemporary pieces.

This year, 4th year students received a special boost from local Donegal textile houses like Hanna Hats, Magee of Donegal, and McNutt. These sponsorships challenged students to create fresh looks that incorporated traditional Donegal textiles.

Five awards were announced on the night:

Magee Fabric Innovation Award: Niamh Reid took home this award for her “Out of Sync” collection. Rosy Temple, CEO of Magee 1866 Luxury Clothing, praised Reid’s ability to reimagine 1980s tailoring for a modern audience, highlighting her use of colour, fabric, and silhouette.

Niamh Reid receiving the Magee of Donegal Fabric Innovation Award from Nollaig Crombie, Head of Department of Design & Creative Media. Photo Clive Wasson

Enterprise Award: Grace Korbel selected Lara Jane Doherty as the Donegal Local Enterprise ‘Enterprise Award’ winner. Lara Jane was chosen for the strong market potential in her brand Blond Orbit and the clarity with which she identified her customer.

Lara Jane Doherty receiving the Local Enterprise Award on behalf by Sharon Maxwell. Photo Clive Wasson

Lara Jane with her model Obi. Photo Clive Wasson

Level 8 Award: Presented by Hannah McGuinness from Hannah McGuinness Jewellery and Donegal Designer Makers, the Level 8 Award went to Lara McLaughlin for her innovative and distinctive rework and design of contemporary office wear. Lara’s 7 to 7 collection was made entirely from recycled fabrics taken from men’s suits.

Lara McLaughlin receiving the Level 8 Designer of the Year Award from Hannah McGuinness Donegal Designer Makers. Photo Clive Wasson

Lara McLaughlin year 4 winner of the Level 8 Designer of the Year Award with model Obi. Photo Clive Wasson

Level 7 Award: Michelle McCarroll from Mi-chelle Knitwear and Donegal Designer Makers selected Emma McKinney as their worthy Level 7 Award winner. Emma’s collection ‘Less is a Bore’ is an eclectic mix of circular designed innovative crochet and upcycled fabrics creating a vibrant and fun 2000’s inspired collection.

Emma Mc Kinney receiving the Level 7 Designer of the Year Award from Michelle McCarroll Knitwear Donegal Designer Makers. Photo Clive Wasson

Alumni Enterprise Award: This prize was given to Shaun Gallagher to recognise his success in launching his brand “Hondo_by_Bill” clothing range in the latter part of last year. Shaun is a graduate from 2023 and has built up a loyal customer base both locally and internationally.

Shaun Gallagher receiving the Alumni Enterprise Award from Nollaig Crombie, Head of Department of Design & Creative Media. Photo Clive Wasson

ATU Donegal’s BA Fashion Design with Promotion programme empowers students to become creative leaders in the ever-evolving fashion industry. The undergraduate degree also has a one-year add-on Level 8 programme designed to allow students to specialise in a chosen area of Fashion or Fashion Promotion.

Check out the looks by Donegal’s next top designers here: 

Award winners at the ATU Design Showcase on Wednesday last. Photo Clive Wasson

Shaun Gallagher_winner of the Enterprise Alumni prize with Obi modelling one of his looks. Photo Clive Wasson

Andrea Crerand with model Icesac Bangura at the ATU Design Showcase on Wednesday last. Photo Clive Wasson

Emma McKinney winner of the Level 7 Designer of the Year Award and her model Jennah Rahim. Photo Clive Wasson

Eva Trualina year 4 modelled by Zoe Stewart at the ATU Design Showcase on Wednesday last. Photo Clive Wasson

Hollie Gallagher year 3 modelled by Zoe Stewart at the ATU Design Showcase on Wednesday last. Photo Clive Wasson

Hollie Gallagher 3rd year modelled by Daria, Photo Clive Wasson

Keelan Doherty year 3 with model Zoe. Photo Clive Wasson

Niamh Reid Year 4 winner of Magee Fabric Innovation Award with model Jenny. Photo Clive Wasson

Niamh Reid with her Mum Anna and granny Peggy – winner of Magee Fabric Innovation Award. Photo Clive Wasson

Rebecca Coyle year 4 modelled by Icesac Bangura. Photo Clive Wasson

MickyJoe Towns modelling for Lara-Jane Doherty. Photo Clive Wasson

Lara McLaughlin and Niamh Reid getting their collections ready for the show. Photo Clive Wasson

Alicia Barr with her model Coral O’Brien athe ATU Design Showcase on Wednesday last. Photo Clive Wasson

Alicia Barr with her Blathanna Collection. Photo Rachel McLaughlin