Missy Bonkers was established in 2009 and is the accumulation of years of work by Tina O’Rourke & Alan Fitzpatrick.

“My background initially was in theatre costume design and directing. I then re-trained as an interior designer and colour therapist and went on to work within the design industry and the retail sector. While working there I became aware of the sheer quantity of waste, in particular domestic and commercial textiles.”

As a reaction to textile disposal Tina began to collect and reuse the fabric in many different forms from soft sculpture to restyled vintage clothing to wall mounted appliqué and hand-embroidered images creating functional designed pieces from toys, clothing and accessories, to patchwork quilts, and soft furnishings.

Over the years the idea had blossomed and eventually Missy Bonkers was born. Since May 2009 Tina has been actively restyling clothing in particular, creating an awareness of slow fashion that is both individual and unique, while also encouraging awareness of how clothing can be restyled to prolonging the lifespan of a garment, rather that disposing of it.

Tina is a register member of the Crafts Council of Ireland.

Aim:

Missy Bonkers was set up to raise awareness of textile recycling and to advocate the idea of slow fashion.

Agenda:

To provide a service where clothing can be restyled to a high level of design and quality.

To actively provide training and awareness of how clothing and textiles can be restyled and reused.

To promote other designers working within the design and craft medium using recycled materials.