You may not recognise her name, but you’ve definitely seen UNA BURKE‘s striking designs worn by RIHANNA, NICKI MINAJ and the stars of THE HUNGER GAMES …
Tough, fierce, tribal – three words to describe the aesthetic of Irish designer Una Burke. Possibly best know for her jewellery collections, she also produces beautiful handbags, belts and body armour. Her work has a wonderful editorial slant, and is very much in the public eye; her striking pieces have been commissioned to be worn by Rihanna, Nicki Minaj and Daphne Guinness, in movies like the Hunger Games and by a cast of characters in Taylor Swift’s video for Bad Blood.
Burke’s collections really have a warrior spirit at their heart – and yet, this tough-love style, created in her London Atelier, is painstakingly handmade in from the softest of leathers – quite the juxtaposition. Her pieces are sculptural and powerful but in some ways we delight in her simplest of styles – soft cuffs in all colours of the rainbow, or slim iPad satchels, that could double for an easy weekend bag.
Recently, Burke has been teaching at NCAD, the London College of Fashion, and as far away as Istanbul and Manila – but the exciting news is that she is now opening her atelier to small private monthly classes. Each session will have eight to ten students; if leather-working peaks your interest, now could be just the opportunity to learn from an incredibly skilled craftsperson. The Atelier will provide the tools and material for the duration of the course; theory will be covered on day one, while practical application comes on day two – the idea is that students will be able to walk away with their own pieces created over the duration of the course.
Natasha Sherling
This article appeared in a previous issue, for more features like this, don’t miss our April issue, out Thursday April 7.
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