This season’s Irish Winter collections boast colour, texture, natural textiles, gender fluid design and a commitment to sustainability. Here are some fashion forward creatives shaping the styles and silhouettes of the future.
Gabrielle Malone
Reclaim is inspired by a visit to the west of Ireland in which Gabrielle took note of the many abandoned cottages, sheds and ship graveyards that reside there. Subsequently, she noted how nature has slowly taken over these abandoned spaces and ‘reclaimed’ them. This collection was further inspired by invasive flora, our natural world’s endurance and nature’s longevity. This is a theme that Gabrielle feels is especially important in the current climate with so much plastic waste, and as a result, she uses all natural biodegradable
yarns. Gabrielle says, ‘I explored this concept through different stitches. Broken ribs in stark black and slate blues symbolise the crumbling bricks of abandoned structures, contrasted by organic shapes and asymmetric lines in mossy greens and soft whites to represent the flora’.
Gabriellemalonedesign.com @gabriellemalonedesign
Caoimhe Murphy
Influenced by Victorian silhouettes, poetry and anatomical studies, the collection features two prints designed in-house, hand-beaded frothy tulle pieces, and of course, her signature fabric manipulation in silks and taffeta. Caoimhe wants you to feel like you’re wearing a love letter to yourself. With a continued commitment to sustainability, you will find GOTS organic cotton and GOTS printed organic cotton using OEKO-Tex certified inks make up the majority of the collection, in a palette of black, teal, fuchsia and blush. Each piece is made with care in Dublin.
caoimhemurphy. ie | @caoimhe.murphy.design
Ciara Allen
With each collection, Ciara takes steps to become a more sustainable brand. This collection looks at the idea of ‘localisation’, trying to celebrate and use some of the amazing fabrics we produce right here in Ireland. The tweeds used for Ciara Allen’s Autumn Winter collection ‘Fractal’ were produced in Kerry by the Kerry Woollen Mills. While maintaining their usual pops of colour, Ciara used a contrasting red tweed to create interesting contour lines within the coat and trousers, taking this traditional material and using it in a contemporary way, keeping the streetwear feel of the brand. The use of mathematics in creating shapes and exploration of fractal repeat patterns and continuous repeat prints can be seen in the work. As always, Ciara’s collection is entirely unisex and allows for more versatility and play in wearability and styling. All pieces are handmade to order, ensuring that only what is needed is produced.
ciaraallendesigns.com | @ciara_allen_designs
Cobblers Lane
Having lived in Canada for 12 years, viewing the Northern Lights became a familiar but welcomed occurrence for Monica Walsh. As with everything Mother Nature creates, the light show provided by the Northern Lights was always when you least expected it and always stole your full attention. Whether it was coming home from a long day’s work or an evening of cocktails and laughter, when Mother Nature performed, you stopped and soaked up the magic. The latest collection, “Northern lights,” is inspired by time spent watching the Aurora Borealis dancing across the sky and the enchantment of the starry night sky transforming, filled with green, blue and violet hues.
cobblerslane.com | @cobblerslane
Mise Tusa
Brought to life in anticipation of their London pop-up, Mise Tusa ‘Renew’ is rooted in the vision of nourishing individuality, with a practical yet decidedly contemporary sensibility. A revival of signature shapes, styles and transformational elements. The collection is a continuation of Meritta’s affinity for creating adaptable and adjustable pieces. Infused with meaning and sentiment, the collection contains vintage watch straps that belonged to Meritta’s late uncle Andy and other considered details. Heritage Irish wools and silks, specialist luxury fabrics, and vintage trimmings are formed into a distinct and authentic reflection of Mise Tusa. Each piece is designed and handmade in their studio in Galway, Ireland by artist and designer Meritta and their small talented team of women.
Mise Tusa will be showcasing at their stand-alone pop-up store in London’s Marylebone from the 14th November until the 3rd December. Visit the pop-up at 67a York Street, London, W1H 1QB.
Misetusa.ie | @misetusa.ie
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