Belfast teen launches bespoke clothing range with top UK designers
Such a positive message 💕
Last updated 25th Feb 2021
It’s fair to say that shopping can sometimes feel like a chore. For many it’s the worry of standing in long queues or carrying too many heavy bags. But for others, it’s the pressure and worry of finding something that actually fits.
South Belfast’s Cara Mailey (12) decided enough was enough. Her struggle to find clothes on the high street and online was tough, so she did something about it.
“I’ve always found it a struggle to find cool clothes. It’s something I wanted to change but I just didn’t know how! I’ve been lucky to take part in a few CBBC programmes and I saw the opportunity online to feature in their ‘My Life’ documentary series. They offer ordinary kids get the chance to share their stories! So I decided I wanted to share my journey, so when I contacted CBBC they put me in contact with Patricia from Tyrone Productions and voila!”
Cara is no stranger to Cool FM - she joined Pete, Paulo and Rebecca last year for the Cool before Bedtime series and the Late Late Breakfast Show at Christmas. So when the team arrived to film Cara for her CBBC documentary, she was a natural in front of the camera.
“It was so much fun having the cameras around, I felt so at ease with Patricia Moore and Ronan McCloskey from Tyrone Productions who made the TV show! I got to know them really well and it just felt like I was talking to friends! I actually quite miss them now.”
It was important to Cara that she was as involved as possible throughout the process. “This collection means so much to me, I feel everyone deserves the chance to be fashionable no matter what size they are. It’s honestly so annoying not being able to wear items straight off the rack in shops! People with achondroplasia, especially kids and teenagers, want to do that too, and now they can!”
Cara has been such an inspiration to many children, so when it came to naming her dream collection, she looked to her inspiration. “I have always loved William Shakespeare, and the line “Though she be but little, she is fierce” from A Midsummer Night’s Dream. I love it so much, I have it printed all over my bedroom. When I mentioned the quote to the fashion designers Amanda and TJ, they thought it summed me up perfectly and suggested calling the collection “She’s Fierce by Cara” which I absolutely loved straight away.”
Designing her own runway collection was a dream come true for Cara. “The day Amanda and TJ sent over the swatches of materials and I got to see the mood board come together was really amazing! That’s when I thought wow - this is actually happening!”
When asked which piece was her favourite from the collection, Cara struggled to choose just one, but shares how the blue velvet tracksuit is unique. “It’s just my style, really fashionable but still comfy. If I was to buy a tracksuit from a store the trousers would need turned up and the sleeves in the hoodie would have to be shortened. This tracksuit is a perfect fit on me, so I think its extra special!”
‘She’s Fierce by Cara launched at the Mini Mode Global Kids Fashion Week virtual runway show on 20th February! The full collection will be available from 1st March at minimode-emporium.com
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