Fashion designers Sharon Hoey, Christine Murphy, Anna Guerin and Lucy Downes came together for an open discussion about creativity, sustainability and the practical realities of building a career in fashion …
A conversation with Lucy Downes of Sphere One, Christine Murphy of Urban Aran, Sharon Hoey of AndTate and Anna Guerin of The Landskein provided the perfect start to the final day of Design Week Dublin, in partnership with Range Rover.
Amanda Bone and Sharon Hoey.
The conversation also covered the practical challenges facing the next generation of designers. There was even a strong sense that supporting emerging designers needs to go beyond encouragement, with more practical structures required to help them navigate the considerable costs of establishing themselves. The idea of more collegiate organisations and collaborative models was briefly explored too, particularly as a way of sharing the expense of opportunities such as showing collections in major fashion capitals including New York and London.
Amanda Bone and Christine Murphy.
After the formal conversation ended, the morning continued at a slower pace, with guests lingering to speak directly with the designers themselves and examine their work on rails around the room. The clothing offered a tangible extension of the discussion, allowing guests to see the designs and craftsmanship in more detail.
Amanda Bone and Anna Guerin.
It was a relaxed but thoughtful morning, with the atmosphere shifting naturally from panel discussion to informal conversation, a fitting reflection of the collaborative spirit the designers had advocated.
Things wrapped just in time to enjoy the DWD Range Rover Terrace and chef Gareth Mullins’ take on creativity, with a menu that echoed the designers’ attention to detail and craft.
Amanda Bone and Lucy Downes.
Other attendees took the opportunity to head to Magee 1866 of South Anne Street to join a thoughtful conversation between furniture designer Tom Faulkner and Patrick Temple of Magee Weaving Mill, exploring craftsmanship, heritage and the importance of provenance in design.
Photography: Conor Healy, Picture It Photography
For details of more Design Week Dublin events, in partnership with Range Rover, see designweekdublin.com.
