Omega burger-maker finds healthy living is last word in fashion

Cork-based healthy food producer Deirdre Collins is teaming up with German eco-fashion designer Magdalena Schaffrin for Berlin Fashion Week.

Ms Collins and her team are catering to the stylish “fash pack” at the Ethical Fashion Show Berlin, a fringe event which runs from today until Friday.

Ms Collins’s award-winning Dee’s Omega burger is already a big hit with Irish and British health food consumers.

She feels there is a natural affinity in the German market between healthy food and ethical fashion.

“Over the years, I’ve really been inspired by German consumers’ enthusiasm for natural food and healthy living,” said Ms Collins. “There seems to be a massive appetite for all things organic and eco-conscious. Frequently, the German market is ahead of the curve in terms of food and lifestyle trends. That’s why it’s fantastic to be involved in Ethical Fashion Show Berlin.”

She said she has a passion for fashion and was always drawn to the latest design trends. She says consumers increasingly want to choose clothing and accessories that are manufactured in a green, ethical manner.

“At Dee’s Eat Well, Be Happy, clean, green processes have been crucial to the successful development of our meat-free ranges. We’re all about being aware of how the choices you make affect your health and planet.

“I’m thrilled to be involved in an event that reflects my own attitudes towards sustainability and production. We’re based in beautiful, green West Cork, we use only the very finest fresh vegetables, unrefined grains, and seeds to create the most natural and nutritious wholefood meal options.”

Ms Schaffrin is one of the key co-ordinators of the fashion show. She says she’s delighted to work with a like-minded entrepreneur.

“We are not only attempting to highlight the importance of sustainable fashion, but we’re also hoping to promote the importance of developing sustainable attitudes towards food, food ingredients, and other consumer products,” said Ms Schaffrin.

“We see Ethical Fashion Show Berlin as being a celebration of all things eco-friendly — sustainability will be celebrated in all aspects of our fashion event through music, food, and debate.”

Ms Collins’s involvement is perfectly timed as the business is increasing its European profile.

“We’re making real progress when it comes to creating a strong market presence in the UK and throughout the rest of Europe,” said Ms Collins.

“Last year, UK sales and distribution agreements were negotiated with The Health Store, Queenswood Foods, Rainbow Wholefoods, and Marigold Health Foods. Germany is often seen as being at the centre of emerging trends in the international natural and vegetarian food market.”