For 18-year-old Bridey, her Year 12 Textiles major work turned out to be much more than your typical school project. The floor-length blue gown, inspired by Dolly’s Dream, reflects her own journey through some difficult years.
Bridey chose blue because it was Dolly’s favourite colour. At the top of the gown, gathered pieces of blue fabric form a statement butterfly, a very deliberate connection to Dolly’s Dream.
But getting the dress to its final form took months of work, plenty of patience and a last-minute change of plan.
During the final months of 2025, Bridey began by drafting three rough fashion designs before settling on the gown she wanted to create.
The practical work then took around seven months – during class, after school, in the school holidays, and even in the days between exams.
One of the biggest challenges was the skirt, which has three layers; lining fabric, tulle and the final outer fabric.
But the butterfly proved to be an even bigger challenge. Bridey had originally planned to create it entirely from tiny beads in different shades of blue and gold. She stayed committed to the beading even whilst travelling between New Zealand and Darwin during the project, but eventually realised just how long the design would take.
With the project due date creeping up, she went back to the drawing board. After researching fabric butterflies on social media she found a design that she could adapt into a much larger statement piece.
The result became one of the most distinctive features of the gown, and a very fitting symbol for the story behind it.
Throughout the entire process, Bridey was supported by her textiles teacher, who encouraged her every step of the way.
Over the past few years, Bridey experienced her own struggles with her mental health. At times, she also felt unsupported by some of the people she considered her closest friends.
Those experiences made it harder to admit when she was struggling or needed help.
In 2025, Bridey spent much of the year at home. On the days she had enough energy to attend school, she would sometimes sit in the hallways or in the counsellor’s room, away from others.
“I know how difficult it can be to complete even the simplest everyday tasks when you are struggling,” Bridey says.
Her own experiences also gave her a deeper understanding of what it feels like to need support – and helped her develop empathy for others who might be going through something similar.
It was this connection that led Bridey to Dolly’s Dream.
She could relate to Dolly and how she felt, and wanted to create something that would help carry forward Dolly’s story and the message of hope that continues through Dolly’s Dream.
“Through Dolly’s Dream, her story continues to give people hope and encourages others to speak up, reach out and keep going.”
She wanted her work to represent hope, strength and the importance of making people feel seen and supported.
Bridey hopes the message behind her dress reaches beyond her school.
She knows how difficult it can be to ask for help, particularly when you don't have the words or aren't sure how others will respond.
But she also knows that support and kindness can make a lasting difference.
“We never truly know what someone else may be going through or dealing with behind closed doors,” Bridey says. “A simple act of kindness, understanding or support can mean more to someone than we may ever realise.”
For Bridey, that is one of the most important lessons she has taken from her own experiences: we all have moments we wish we could have handled differently, but every day gives us another opportunity to grow, learn, do better and treat the people around us with kindness.
Today, Bridey is proud of how far she has come. She is looking ahead to a future filled with the things she once dreamed about – building a career she loves, travelling and creating meaningful relationships.
Next year, Bridey will begin studying veterinary nursing, combining her love of animals with her desire to care for and support others. She is passionate about helping animals grow and live healthy lives, and is excited to turn that passion into a career.
She also wants to be an advocate for mental health awareness.
Her blue gown feels like a very fitting beginning. It represents where Bridey has been, what she has learned and, most importantly, where she is going.
Through her dress and the story behind it, she hopes to remind others that they are not alone, that asking for help is a sign of strength, and that even the smallest act of kindness can change someone’s day – or even their life.
If bullying is affecting you or someone you care about, Dolly’s Dream’s Bullying Support Line, 13 DOLLY (13 36 55), is here to provide support and guidance. You can also visit the Dolly’s Dream Bullying Support Hub for practical information and resources.
You can support Dolly’s Dream by sharing our message, fundraising, taking part in our campaigns or helping create kinder, safer communities for young people.
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