In a special feature for Totally Dublin, we take a rare glimpse behind the scenes at NCAD’s hallowed fashion department to speak with some of the freshest creative minds in Irish fashion. We selected four promising students to talk us through their collections and aspirations in the final weeks before this year’s hotly anticipated degree show.
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What was your inspiration for your final collection?
For my thesis I was writing all about the importance of craft and purpose in community, and started looking into Irish craft. I get a lot of enjoyment out of making, not just the fashion aspect, the materials are really the main purpose. I’ve used Foxford Woollen Mills fabric, they’re based in Mayo and are one of the oldest woollen mills in Ireland. A lot of it is about the blankets and basket weaving, using the materials to find out what they can do as opposed to designing it all first, they are the main driving force. I was also looking into a lot of different traditional costumes from around the world, and it’s sort of my selection on those.
I think that a lot of fashion at the moment is moving at such a fast pace. I wanted to make articles or artefacts that can be kept and are timeless. I’ve chosen the materials because I think they look like things that you would want to keep, so I made the collection to be like that as well – not age specific and not trend driven. It’s all about minding the original materials.
How did you come to fashion design?
I’ve always loved making. I have more of a 3D mind, so it was always going to be some form of art and design, but I really enjoy fashion because you can bring together so many different elements – the textures, the fabrics and that it always has to work on the body.
How have you found your final year?
It’s been tough! I’ve found it really difficult actually, but I’ve really enjoyed it, it’s been the biggest challenge I’ve had so far. The most difficult part is just trusting your own instincts, making decisions and being accountable for them. Before we just had small projects, and it was about just getting to the next one, but now it’s more about what you want to get across to people and your image.
Do you know what you want to do next?
I’d love to do the masters at RCA in London, I’ve heard that they’re really about, and encouraging of, craft processes so that would be great. I don’t think I want to go straight into a masters though, I think I’d like to take a year or two out to just come up with my own stuff, and take a bit of space without so much pressure.
Words: Honor Fitzsimons
Images: Jocelyn Murray-Boyne
