Michelle Wilson, from Clonakilty in Co. Cork, is in her fourth and final year at the Limerick School of Art and Design. While her recent Nokia win might make her flush with funds, her normal state of student penury unfortunately steers her clear of the brands she might like to buy.

“Price is important to me out of necessity,” she admits. “I’m slow to spend crazy money on anything unless I really want it, and after four years as a student I’ve developed a bit of an eye for a bargain.”
As she becomes better known as a fashion designer for obvious reasons she’s increasingly expected to dress well. “Winning the Nokia award has put a little more pressure on me, in terms of how I look. But it’s fun to dress up anyway, especially for women. I don’t think men have as many options, they don’t have the range, and maybe men are a bit worried if they’re seen to be trying too hard to look good – whereas women don’t have the same problem at all. It’s not a question of having a vast wardrobe, but how you match and re-match what you already have that can be the fun part.”
Feeling comfortable, no matter what she wears, is Michelle’s priority anyway. “At home I might wear something like those big, loose and oversized shirts, like men’s shirts. I wear one I got in H&M all the time, with skinny jeans. Wearing the right clothes can make you feel good – and if you feel good on the inside I think you’ll project that outwardly to others.”
She’s a big fan of Sharon Wauchob, an Irish designer from Tyrone who shows in Paris, and Rick Owens. The shops most likely to lure her in off the street are Topshop, H&M, and maybe River Island. “Generally I find it more relaxing to shop on my own, but if I were buying something for a special occasion, like a wedding, I’d probably like to have somebody else along to offer a second opinion,” she says.
Michelle’s most memorable fashion boob was, er, a boob tube. “I’m not that tall, and I’m not that skinny, so my mistakes have tended to be buying things that don’t flatter my figure,” she laughs. “Back in my schooldays I wore a boob tube. It was disgusting! Never again!”
It probably ended up, like most of her old clothes, in a charity shop in Cork. “I have two sisters but we have very different styles, so we don’t use each other’s clothes that often, but I give them first option on anything I’m getting rid of,” she says.
Her most prized possession is a family heirloom. “It’s a royal navy blue vintage dress that’s sequinned in a vee down the front. It’s been passed down from my granny and I have to look after it and pass it on to the next generation.” I guess that means the sisters won’t be getting it.

For further info on the Nokia Young Fashion Designer Award go to www.nokia.ie/nyfda08

THE SHOOT
Dress: Printed chiffon dress from All Saints, about €180.
Shoes: Pied A Terre shoes, €170.
Jewellery: Rope chain necklace from All Saints, €50. A ring bought in Crete by her Mum for Michelle’s 21st.