By the time this magazine hits shops and streets, the illustrious rails of Brown Thomas CREATE will be awash with burgeoning design talents.
Now entering its ninth year of existence, CREATE has consistently broadcasted the most promising of nascent designers; propelling their emerging careers onto a higher plain, whilst supporting those that have already begun soaring. An eclectic assemblage of 30 designers will command in-store presence for six weeks, their sustainable craftsmanship encompassing ready-to-wear, millinery, accessories, jewellery and homewares.
Stand-out names are almost too abundant to list: sewing sorceress Alison Conneely unveils a sumptuous capsule collection, alongside the season-transcending garments of Alanagh Clegg’s Four Threads (think Irish linen and handwoven cotton). Leonora Ferguson sourced inspiration from Samurai wood-block prints when sculpting ‘Windows’, her latest crop of millinery, which incorporates vegan leather alternative Piñatex®, while Katie Ann McGuigan (a fantastic Flying the Flag alumna, making her CREATE debut) channels a different facet of Japan for her collection — the Bosozoku biker subculture — fusing colourful softness with serious edge.
Concluding this triptych of Japanese influences are Jill & Gill, whose rightful fascination with Yayoi Kusama takes centre-stage. Stamping their art-meets-fashion approach onto screen-printed garments, their collection wraps with a Worthy Design Studio collab; joining forces to craft bespoke, limited-edition bomber jackets from Japanese denim.
This is one sartorial spectacle you don’t want to miss. @brownthomascreative // @alisonconneely / @four_threads / @leonoraferguson / @katieannmcguigan / @jillandgill
Words: Amelia O’Mahony-Brady
