Irish Designers At London Fashion Week

Over the course of London Fashion Week I met incredible talent derived from Ireland from makeup artists, hair stylists to photographers and of course designers. It was really inspiring to see and particularly to hear editors from prestigious magazines speak about Irish designers with such excitement in their voice. It certainly prompted this piece from an early stage of the week, some of you may know all of the featured designers or perhaps just one. It just shows the wealth of talent Ireland really does have.

Simone Rocha

Dublin born Simone Rocha has paved an incredible name for herself around the globe with the Italian, U.S and Asian markets snapping at her heels. Each season since showing at fashion week her name sparks excitement among press with the anticipation to see her upcoming collection. For Autumn Winter she incorporated elements of her previous collection, with nods to mesh panelling and 3D floral detailing. She’s played an emphasis on baroque and romantic elements with blacks, reds, pinks and whites being her main colours of choice. Her materials for A/W 15 were black velvets, brocades, tartans and chenille which shined on the catwalks.

J.W Anderson

I had the pleasure of interviewing Jonathan about two years ago when he launched his collaboration with the Opel Adam. He is calm and collected which is a contrast to his collections which are quite loud and bold. For next season his appeal to linear patterns is quite prevalent with definite 80’s power dressing vibes. Added to this are statement printed pieces ( the wolf jumper being my favourite!) and lots of playfulness with proportions. 

Orla Kiely

Orla Kiely needs no introduction, she is widely known for her prints and her feminine take. Her presentations are always fun and interesting. For example, last season models walked around a secret garden holding giant daisies. This season there was a mock library with signs of ” silence” and the odd sush. It was an instant take into 60’s nostalgia with her flowing skirts, pretty colour palettes and of course her love of prints. What struck me the most were her accessories as we see her delve into more monochrome styles  (and you all know I LOVE my monochrome!) So this stayed with me, from shoulder bags to clutch bags, her take on grid print was certainly taking over from floral inspiration. Her presentations instantly draw you into an era and theme that you honestly can’t leave without that ‘feel good’ energy.

Paul Costelloe

Paul has carved quite a name for himself both at home and abroad most notably his collaborations with Dunnes Stores from fashion to homeware which has been extremely popular in Ireland. This season he continued his passion for raised boucle fabrics like his SS15 collection, but gave such a variation in style that would suit a wide age range and taste buds. There was a combination of 50’s inspiration and military chic. Fit and flare styles made for a flattering female silhouette and dropwaist hemlines which gives an edge to classic textiles.

My favourite ensemble from the collection would have to be this red and burnt orange boucle dress with a matching cross over bag. It’s even more beautiful in the flesh.

Danielle Romeril

New Generation designer Danielle Romeril has a great way to capture us at her presentations. Last year we were creatively taken into a fishing village, this season we were exported into an urban scrap yard. Her AW15 collection was very much based on basic survival, with models salvaging clothing the best way they could in a ‘make and do’ attitude. And so lots of padded and quilted pieces were dominant from jackets to capes. Plaids also made an appearance in asymmetric skirts and scarves with lace detailing. It was bold, raw and one of my favourite collections of hers to date.

LFW Show Room Designer : Martha Lynn Millinery

Among the showroom designers at Somerset House during London Fashion Week was Dublin based designer Martha Lynn. Martha fuses traditional techniques of millinery with a modern edge. I managed to catch up with her for a brief moment while I was there and throughout that time it was quite obvious the attention she was attracting by members of press with her unique designs was well merited.

A photo posted by Louise O’Reilly (@stylemecurvy) on Feb 21, 2015 at 5:11am PST

Lou.xx