Gift and glamour: Designer donates dress for Hospice’s benefit

Stepping Stone Hospice & Care Services is thrilled to present a bidding offer for a stunning dress donated by fashion designer Carien Ungerer of Carien Couture.

A love for style and class runs in Carien’s family, and she always aspired to use fashion to win hearts.

Now, Carien, who has a wealth of experience in couture, is reminding locals that through beauty, one can make a difference in the lives of others.

“I thought, this is quite a fairy tale dress, and I am a big fan of fairy tales. I wanted the girl wearing this dress to feel glamorous. I love giving, and that’s the thing about this profession – you give a part of your heart with each artwork. What sparked the idea was wanting to give back and make people aware that art and fashion can be used for a good cause, not only for self-pursuit,” she said.

The one-of-a-kind dress is up for sale in support of the Stepping Stone Hospice, and offers are welcome.

Compassion through passion

Carien studied fashion design at the Villioti Fashion Institute. Her course allowed her to showcase her work during the Miss South Africa beauty pageant.

She also designed a beautiful outfit for Mrs South Africa 2024 finalist Minki Thokoane, and in 2016, started her couture business, specialising in evening and wedding dresses.

“I was so excited to create this lovely artwork, and it took me quite a while to complete. The dress consists of three layers – it’s a big dress with a lot of fabric. I’ve hand-stitched the details. It took me at least six months to complete it. And the inside of the dress is just as beautiful as the outside,” she explained.

Fabric and texture inspired her to create this beautiful gown. The rainforests of the sea (coral reefs) also motivated her. However, it goes beyond that.

“I chose to extend my generosity to Stepping Stone because we lost my aunt to colon cancer, and my grandmother also passed away this year. This would’ve been special to them. The prospective owner will wear something spectacular in this dress,” she said.

According to Carien’s mother, Vinette Otto, a matric farewell is the only time a woman can really wear something spectacular.

“This is a time when she’s finding her identity at that age. People often wonder, ‘Why would someone spend so much money on a single occasion?’ And that’s the only opportunity in your life where you can get to wear this kind of dress. I am making dreams come true with this dress,” she explained.

The CEO of Stepping Stone Hospice, Tersia Burger, thanked Carien for her generosity and extended a plea to the community to donate preloved matric gowns and outfits to make youngsters’ dreams come true.

To buy the designer dress, call Carien on 071 679 3839. To donate any preloved matric attire, call Tersia on 083 251 9605.