On August 15, 1998, 29 people were killed by a car bomb left in Omagh, one of the worst atrocities of the Northern Ireland troubles. My mother who was in Omagh that day now lives in Donegal, the destruction of the bomb in contrast to the peacefulness of where we currently reside, has provided the inspiration for this range. The explosive look and destruction are evident in the fabric manipulation and the tranquil Donegal landscape is conveyed with the choice of Mc Nutt’s tweed fabric. The aim of the collection is to create an androgynous range that respects inclusivity and has a sustainability focus. The Donegal tweed was given to me by McNutt’s of Donegal is their end of weave oddments that they don’t use. The patchwork of colours presented a design challenge but that brings an interesting dimension. The slashing technique I developed using luminous redundant fabric swatches brings a funky young edginess to the range. The garment shapes are clean cut capes with voluminous trousers and skirts. My target market are young adults, looking for a funky, fresh brand, that is inclusive with regards to size and design. Individuals who appreciate the fight against fast fashion, and the effect the industry is having on the planet.
