Fashion Design
Aoife Mc Namara
ANÁIL (BREATH)
Anáil (Breath) is a collection inspired by the courageous journey of hope a young lady undertook, from the poverty and raw ambiance of Ireland during the Irish Famine, traveling along a journey of hope, to the ‘new world’ of New York. The protagonist of this collection is an Irish girl mesmerised by the possibility of a new life. Focusing on re-constructing tradition, I chose to keep Irish heritage at the heart of my fabric choice, Sponsored by Mc Nutt of Donegal, traditional wool, tweed, woven yarns arise primarily within my collection. Through the exploration of labour intense work on the soil of Ireland, I was deeply inspired by the development of a 3D weaving technique applied with willow and reeds. Creating a shape and volume in relation to restricting the body combined with a modern element of tailoring.
Observing the journey of metamorphose into her new life of freedom, the introduction of voluminous, Victorian silhouettes is peaking through with the idea of craft to couture being formed. The juxtaposition of dry wool, corduroy, tweeds, and the incorporation of reeds resulted in the creation of structural shapes in contrast with the highly decorative damask and silks. The rawness of the poverty against the vibrant dream of life. Concluding the last garment with overloaded complex rich colours, there is no rest. Her dreams come to life.
Work Experience: Marc Jacobs, New York