From folklore to fashion - how the Armagh Rhymers stole the show at McQueen

From the ancient Irish practice of mumming to walking the red carpet, the Armagh Rhymers were central to a meeting of myth and couture for McQueen's Paris Fashion Week show.

The local theatre and performance group have been committed to carrying the rural custom of "mumming" or "rhyming" into the 21st century, and in doing so caught the attention of McQueen's creative director, Seán McGirr.

Historically, mumming saw groups dress up in masks and costume, going from house to house to perform poetry, theatre, music and dance.

Often communities used this to mark important times in their calendar.

"When we got the e-mail in July, we weren't sure it was real. McQueen is such a fashion behemoth, their shows are so beautiful and known for their theatrics," said programme manager Clare Jennings.

"The creative director Seán McGirr is Irish and is very inspired by Irish culture, history and heritage, incorporating Irish folklore and mythology in the shows and in the collections. It just seemed like a really natural fit."

The group worked with local straw craft workers to produce large straw maypole toppers which were then used as part of the set.

Craft artist Moira Burns hand-made more than 500 harvest knots.

Traditionally thought to be a love token, the harvest knots were used as invites for guests.