MOUNTMELLICK DRESS

A fusion of contemporary design with the charm of Mountmellick Embroidery the Mountmellick Dress exudes both femininity and substance with a look that is timeless.

This collaboration between renound fashion designer Heidi Higgins and master practitioner of Mountmellick Embroidery Dolores Dempsey came about when Heidi was invited to visit the MDA Museum earlier this year. Mountmellick Embroidery came into being in the 1820s and although it has stayed pure to it’s origins it has evolved over the years for different uses. The MDA invited Heidi to bring the Mountmellick Embroidery into the 21st century by unifying this traditional craft with her modern design.

Heidi considered her design carefully and while she is mostly known for her bold use of colour, in this project she wanted to showcase the intricate Mountmellick needlework foremost. Heidi choose one of her classically tailored dress patterns to be made in a luxurious metallic gold and winter white lame fabric to reflect the cotton sateen, which has a sheen, and the matte cotton threads which are traditionally used in Mountmellick Embroidery. In keeping with the traditions of Mountmellick Embroidery Dolores created a floral and butterfly motif for the collar design and sleeves. Both Heidi and Dolores consulted on how best to combine their mediums with the final design executed beautifully.

The inspiration of unifying this traditional craft with modern design while maintaining Heidi’s feminine aesthetic brought about the Mountmellick Dress. Through this collaboration this internationally appreciated local tradition will be introduced to a whole new generation once again.