Design Challenge and Design Ideas

Reclaim was inspired by a trip to my family’s home in Arranmore, Donegal. On my visit I took note of the abandoned cottages and ship graveyard and how over the years nature has slowly ‘reclaimed’ it’s space. This collection was inspired by invasive flora, the endurance of our natural world and how we must look at nature for longevity. I think this is especially important in this day and age with so much plastic waste and why I use all natural yarns that can be biodegradable if disposed of.
My goal for this collection was to showcase this through beautifully designed garments that would be easily styled and to resist the trend cycle. As a designer I take personal responsibility in designing my pieces to not add unnecessary waste to our planet and to be conscious of the materials sourced for my garments.

How the brief was fulfilled

To symbolise the concept of nature reclaiming its space in a manmade environment, I explored the concept through different stitches. Broken ribs to symbolise the crumbling bricks of abandoned structures and organic shapes to represent the flora. The collection consists of grassy hues, sea blues, ivory and stark black colour tones.
I chose yarns that were dyed using low impact dyes. Each has a certification of GOTS, REACH or OEKO-TEX with their standard 100 certification. Each knitwear garment is hand knit in Ireland and our silk scarves are made in England.
To open a dialogue of transparency with our customers, I launched ‘Garment Journey’ on our website. My work focuses on feminine, high-quality garments utilising traditional techniques with contemporary materials. I find inspiration in Irish heritage and crafts that have been passed down from my family, who learnt these techniques as it was instrumental in their daily life as fishermen and examine them through a design perspective.