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CREATE 2022
3 Northern Irish Designers To Know
We speak to 3 of Northern Ireland’s brightest designers who are showcasing their extraordinary work in our annual fashion exhibition CREATE 2022 to find out more about their brand and what they love about home.
Over the course of the next six weeks, this year’s installation shines a spotlight on the extraordinary mix of unique and diverse design talent across the Island of Ireland. The brainchild of Brown Thomas Fashion Buying Director, Shelly Corkery, CREATE has become one of the most exciting nights on the Irish Fashion calendar with this year being no exception.
KINDRED OF IRELAND
Founded by Amy Anderson, Kindred of Ireland breathes new life into the tradition of Irish linen by creating timeless pieces with a contemporary edge. Following in the footsteps of her grandparents who both worked in linen mills, Amy values family above all else when it comes to creating her collections by collaborating with family-run linen mills across the country.
We talked to the designer to find out more...
Today I’ m wearing… A longline white skirt, our 'Freya' blouse in black and leather cage sandals.
My favourite item in my wardrobe is… My quilted 'Cloud Coat'. It’s the first coat I ever made and it was a labour of love. It’s easy to throw on and feels fun to wear.
The person whose style I most admire is… The Olsen twins. I love how they have fun with more 'serious' pieces by playing with volume and proportion. How they accessorise is always a little unexpected and adds a bohemian/vintage element that gives their signature clean lines an interesting contrast.
I want my brand to be remembered for… A connection to something deeper. I strive to create pieces that make you feel really good about yourself. I would also love for my brand to be remembered for reviving skills and traditions that have been passed down through the years here in Ireland.
If I could have anyone wear my designs it would be… Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.
I can 't leave the house without… A gold necklace with my two little boys’ initials.
My favourite thing about Ireland is... The richness of our heritage and skill that has been passed down through the years. This is one of my biggest sources of inspiration for Kindred of Ireland. And of course, the hospitality.
ÉADACH BY SARA O’NEILL
Following her hugely successful years as a CREATE designer, Éadach by Sara O’Neill returns with a stunning collection inspired by Belfast’s 1930s Art Deco architecture and textile history, crafting a story which pays homage to the Belfast ‘Millies’, the incredibly skilled women who worked in the linen mills of Ulster. She has developed this story into a print, which features on silk scarves, dresses and kimonos trimmed with Irish linen.
We talked to the designer to find out more...
Today I’m wearing...a black silk slip dress, an Éadach silk kimono (pink Róisín Dubh), a huge grey cardigan my mum knitted and Birkenstocks.
My favourite item in my wardrobe is…my hand-painted leather jacket.
The person whose style I most admire is…it’s more than one person, it’s my customers. I just love seeing how they wear, style and move in my designs. It’s so inspiring. I never get tired of seeing people out and about in Éadach, either in real life or when I’m scrolling on social media.
I want my brand to be remembered for…stories. Both the stories I tell through my prints and the stories that unfold when people are wearing my garments, that will forever be woven into the fabric.
If I could have anyone wear my designs it would be...Stevie Nicks.
I can't leave the house without...an Éadach scarf!
My favourite thing about Ireland is…the people, the landscape and the stories.
KATIE ANN MCGUIGAN
Fun geometric patterns and contemporary graphic prints are what Katie Ann McGuigan does best. Having worked in London at McQ by Alexander McQueen and in New York with Marc Jacobs, Katie Ann has gone on to win some of fashion’s most prestigious awards. Returning to CREATE for her third year, her collection is underpinned by bold prints across feminine dresses, matching co-ords and beautiful knits.
We talked to the designer to find out more...
Today I’m wearing… an older season Katie Ann McGuigan knit jumper, Acne Studios denim and a pair of comfy trainers.
My favourite item in my wardrobe is… my Katie Ann McGuigan Kingston Cardigan from the newest collection.
The person whose style I most admire is… my grandmother, she always took pride in her appearance.
I want my brand to be remembered for… bold prints to live in.
If I could have anyone wear my designs it would be… anyone who feels empowered, lifted and confident in them.
I can't leave the house without... My little old Céline card holder.
My favourite thing about Ireland is… my family's atelier where I grew up and the nature at our doorstep.
Meet All The Makers