Daniel O’Donnell-Inspired Dress Takes Centre Stage Thanks to CMAT
DONEGAL — Two young designers from Letterkenny are celebrating global attention after their Daniel O’Donnell-inspired creation — the so-called “Daniel dress” — was worn by rising Irish pop star CMAT in both a new music video and on stage at Belfast Vital. What began as a playful homage to the “King of Donegal” has now gone viral, sparking curiosity, admiration, and a wave of excitement from fans of music and fashion alike.
A Local Idea with Global Reach
Twin sisters Mirren and Brodie McFeely, founders of the independent brand Cúpla Designs, are the creative minds behind the piece. The dress, designed as part of Mirren’s graduate collection at Belfast School of Art, was conceived as a nod to both Donegal nostalgia and pop culture kitsch. Drawing inspiration from the Harry Gordon Bob Dylan paper dress of the 1960s, the “Daniel” dress celebrates the enduring presence of Ireland’s beloved crooner in a tongue-in-cheek but affectionate way.
The design, which prominently features Daniel O’Donnell’s image, was originally created for a university project. But when CMAT — one of Ireland’s most acclaimed new singer-songwriters — spotted it during the filming of her music video “When A Good Man Cries” in Letterkenny, she instantly fell in love with the piece.
CMAT Puts It on the Map
CMAT’s stylist, Katie-Ruby McLaughlin Robinson (also a Donegal native), made sure the dress didn’t just stay in the video wardrobe. She arranged for CMAT to wear it again at Belfast Vital, where the singer performed while supporting UK star Sam Fender. The sight of CMAT proudly stepping on stage in the “Daniel dress” sent social media into overdrive, with fans praising the quirky crossover between Irish country heritage and contemporary pop performance.
The McFeely sisters, who managed to attend the Belfast show and personally deliver the dress to CMAT, said they were overwhelmed by the reception. “We can’t get over it,” Mirren told Donegal Daily. “The dress has travelled about the place, and seeing it on stage at such a massive event was surreal. We are so thankful to Katie because she is the main reason we got the gig.”
CMAT, meanwhile, doubled down on her appreciation, wearing the dress again during the Dublin launch of her new album Euro Country. For the McFeely sisters, the exposure has already proven invaluable — but it’s also left fans asking the same question: where can I get one?
From Donegal Heritage to Fashion Spotlight
Cúpla Designs is no stranger to reimagining Donegal’s cultural touchstones through clothing. Their “Greetings from Donegal” collection features pieces like the Banba’s Crown skirt, a “Suckin’ Diesel” tank top, and a sweater inspired by The Cottage Bar. The collection, which balances nostalgia with humor, has struck a chord with younger audiences seeking to wear their heritage with pride and playfulness.
Both sisters studied at Ulster University — Mirren in graphic design and Brodie in fashion and textiles — and together, they bring complementary skills to their brand. Mirren recently earned a Graduate-in-Residence award at Belfast School of Art, which gave her the time and space to develop the Donegal-inspired line.
Waiting for Daniel’s Blessing
Despite the sudden popularity, the McFeelys are hesitant to mass-produce the dress without approval from Daniel O’Donnell himself. “We are not sure if he’s seen the dress yet,” Mirren admitted. “We’ve emailed his team, but you never know. Hopefully in the future, if we get talking to him, we’ll be able to make more.”
For now, only two dresses exist: the original project piece and the one gifted to CMAT. But with international attention growing, and with Daniel O’Donnell’s iconic image at the heart of the design, the sisters are confident that this moment could lead to bigger opportunities for their budding label.
A Viral Celebration of Irish Icons
The “Daniel dress” story is about more than just fashion. It’s a celebration of how Ireland’s cultural figures — from long-established icons like Daniel O’Donnell to trailblazing new artists like CMAT — continue to inspire creativity across generations.
As fans eagerly await news on whether the dress will be made more widely available, one thing is certain: thanks to CMAT, a playful tribute to Donegal’s most famous son has captured imaginations far beyond Ireland, cementing its place as a cult piece of Irish pop culture.