Maia McDermott from Derry has qualified for the Junk Kouture Dublin City Finals as a solo designer and model. She worked on her design from May last year through January this year.

Her entry, titled 'Measured in Motion', is a dress constructed from metal rulers gathered from skips, offices and schools. Florist bouquet wrap ties the bows together.

McDermott designed the dress to address wheelchair inclusivity. It examines how bodies, particularly disabled bodies, face measurement and judgment. Each ruler received a second hole, had sharp edges filed, and was riveted and hammered into an armour-like structure.

The structure lifts on and off the body and works fully with wheelchairs. Hand-sewn sparkly florist wrap adds shine. The rulers represent that disability does not determine ability.

She advanced from a regional final at The Helix in Dublin. Out of 60 designs, 20 progressed, including hers.

Judges Claire Garvey, Zeda and Róisin Heffernan selected the finalists.

McDermott aims to become a fashion designer. She called the achievement a dream come true.