A CREATIVE clothes designer has won a national art competition presented by a renowned art critic.

Louise O’Mahony, of Flookersbrook, Hoole, beat more than 160 works of art at the annual Royal College of Physicians Art Awards in London with a costume dress inspired by Greek mythology. She was also praised by art critic Brian Sewell.

The 22-year-old, who works at Octopus on Eastgate Street, said: “I was really surprised to win. I like doing fashion and art so I thought I would mix the two of them and make a creative costume.

“I didn’t even know it was a competition! I only found out on the opening night of the exhibition. I didn’t think he would choose it at all and I’ve heard he can be really harsh.

“He said ‘at first I was unsure whether a costume could be classed as art, however the sensitivity, detail and creativity that has been put in to this piece of work shows me that this artist is far beyond the amateur, and yes this is a piece of art’.”

Louise made the dress, which was also exhibited at The Clothes Show Live, while studying costume design with textiles at Hull University’s Scarborough campus.

Now the designer, a former Chester Catholic High School pupil, will spend a year travelling around the world and leaves later this month.

She added: “I can’t wait to get inspired from all corners of the earth.”