Student makes the cut for Florence’s top five designs

A FIRST-YEAR fashion student from Co Donegal beat off stiff competition to make the top five in a worldwide competition to design a dress for Florence Welch of hit band, Florence and the Machine.

Oliver Doherty’s design was whittled down from 1,500 international entries to join five other finalists, including professional and amateur designers from Britain, the US and China.

As a top-five finalist, the 19-year-old’s work will now be showcased in a number of US fashion magazines.