Local fashion designer with MakeFashion, Katherine Funk, has designed and created a dress named 'Breathe' that will be traveling to Shenzhen, China to take part in a fashion show.

 Funk originally started in design because of a childhood fascination with fashion.

"As a kid, I was interested in historical fashion and it just went from there," said Funk

Funk said her favourite period of time when it comes to fashion is constantly changing, but she has a particular love for the dresses of the 1800's.

This is the second time Funk has designed a dress to be displayed in China and says it "feels really good" to have such a huge success early in her career. She also said working with MakeFashion has been a privilege she thoroughly enjoys. 

"MakeFashion has been incredible; this is my second year. The show in Calgary is always a ton of fun and really beautiful."

Although a beautiful dress all by itself, the meaning behind the dress sends an even more powerful message. Funk designed the dress with anxiety in mind

"Its about anxiety and basically breathing and going through it to calm yourself whenever you have panic attacks or anxiety."

"(It) is meant to help with anxiety and other mental illnesses by letting everyone around them know what mood they are in- green means a positive/happy mood, yellow is 'be careful' and red is a negative mood. This helps misunderstandings with the people around you."

Funk is currently studying Fashion Technology at Bow Valley College but has her mind set on a slightly different career path in the future.

"Currently I am going to school for design but in the future, I'd like to make costumes in movies."

Comments? Questions? Story ideas? Email us at news@discoverairdrie.com