A rose by any other name...

Dobbies, one of the country's leading gardens and homes retailers, has today (5 March 2010) opened the doors of its most environmentally-friendly store to date in Aberdeen - heralding a new-generation of garden centres in the UK.

Dobbies enlisted the help of stunning Aberdeen model, Jessica Brown, to open the store, who wore a dress created entirely from roses, in keeping with the history of the new Dobbies being built on the former site of the famous Cockers Roses. Dobbies itself started as a famed rose grower in the late 1800's.

The "Rose Dress" was designed by up-and-coming fashion designer, Amanda Montague from Gray's School of Art. Born and bred in Aberdeen, 20 year-old Amanda is a designer who likes to focus on femininity, believing women should proud of their female form and wants to make fashion a much ‘prettier' place. Her inspiration is drawn from her love of museums like the Victoria and Albert Museum in London which she studied when on placement at fashion design house, Erdem.

Amanda's favourite designers include Erdem and Chanel. The Chanel brand is still classic and has its own strong identity and she feels the brand is both powerful and feminine.

Ambitions after Grays are to gain experience in the fashion industry and one day be a recognised designer "in my own right".

Amanda loves her studies at Grays:

"I have so much fun and I have learnt so much. I am dreading the day when I have to leave. It is such an important part of my life".

Typically of a fashion student, Amanda LOVES shopping! She loves customising clothes and makes ‘special' pieces for her friends.

"I am so grateful to be offered the opportunity to do this project. I love the dress I have proposed to make. I always used to visit Dobbies when I was little, taken along with my mum and dad. I loved looking at all the flowers and it must be in my blood, as my Dad loves gardening."

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