Great Britains Great Dress

Take one couture designer, 90 metres of fabric, 2,320 hours of work, and one of the country's finest supermodels and what do you have? A serious fashion moment - or, to be precise, an exquisite Nicholas Oakwell Couture gown - made especially for the government's GREAT campaign, celebrating the finest that Britain has to offer - and Erin O'Connor showing us how it's done.

"I wanted it to make a big impact, so volume and colour became the starting point for my design," Oakwell told us of his design. "I also wanted it to involve as much of the British couture industry as possible, from the creation of the dress to its presentation. This was an opportunity to highlight some of the amazing companies and organisations in Britain working in the industry and it was my chance to work with them."

Cue rubies from Britain's oldest jewellery house, Garrard, and 33 of the finest "petit mains" (the little hands) hailing from the Royal School of Needlework and Hand & Lock. With just under 200,000 individual feathers (sourced from a British farm), hand-dyed into 18 different colours and then delicately stitched onto the tulle, it was no easy feat.

"Aside from volume and colour, I wanted it to be elegant and beautiful," continued Oakwell. "I'm an avid gardener and to me there is nothing more beautiful than a perfect red rose. I also associate it as a quintessential British emblem so the idea started there. The different shades of red in this dress reflect the complexity of the flower."

For Erin O'Connor, the chance to be a part of a project that combined fashion and her heritage was an offer that she couldn't turn down.

"Working with Nicholas was such a treat. He is the only couturier in Britain and one of the best in the world," she told us. "I am so proud of my British heritage and having had the great fortune to travel the world throughout my working life, I know why I came home. Britain is often recognised and celebrated for its great sense of tradition but it is our instinct for innovation and evolution that we can be truly proud of. To have contributed to this campaign in a small way has been a great privilege."

Two other famous faces to make their presence felt on set were photographer Greg Williams and fashion illustrator David Downton who painted O'Connor as she brought the dress to life. As one of Britain's most celebrated exports - and long-term friend of O'Connor - there wasn't a better man for the job according to the model.

"I adore Mr Downton - he's a great friend first and foremost," she revealed "Like me he's a keen observer and collaborator in an industry that we love in equal measure. It's great to have a close ally and confident on set, although it's not always great when the artist knows your angles better than you do!"

The dress itself will start a tour of the world next month, covering Paris, Milan, Berlin, and the Americas before heading back to the UK. See the making of it here: