CREATE 2023, the annual showcase of Ireland’s talented emerging designers, runs from July 6-August 20 at Brown Thomas Dublin …
This year marks 13 years of CREATE, a platform which supports the next generation of Irish design talent and emerging brands: 28 exceptional and creative designers feature across ready-to-wear, shoes, accessories, millinery, jewellery and homewares in a stunning exhibition, which runs until August 20 at Brown Thomas Dublin. Says Brown Thomas Arnotts Fashion Buying Director, Shelly Corkery: “Selecting this year’s designers was a privilege – the craftsmanship and innovation, presentation and design was outstanding. We are blown away by how previous CREATE designers have developed and by the exciting discovery of new designers and brands. We are thrilled to unveil this year’s line-up.”
New to CREATE this year is FéRí, a slow fashion brand by Faye Anna Rochford. Faye’s collection of dresses, oversized jackets and slip skirts in natural fabrics feature fantasy-folk floral motifs painted in her studio in Wexford. Faye draws from her own archive of vintage dresses for inspiration as well as 1970s wallpaper prints and the work of British designer Celia Birtwell … Caoimhe Murphy returns to CREATE with a feminine and fun collection, using organic silks, cottons and velvets in rich jewel tones, with sequin and crystal embellishment. Urban Aran’s sophisticated, colourful luxury knitwear inspired by urban art reappears after its success last year, IrelandsEye Knitwear presents modern Aran sweaters in oversized silhouettes in scarlet, rose pink and coffee tones and Laura Chambers’ cashmere highlights include a bright pink belted coatigan, a moss green and bright pink stripe tube skirt and an oversized lavender sweater.
Extraordinary Irish shoe designers also feature, as well as exciting accessories and jewellery designers. This is your opportunity to witness fashion history in the making – and invest in something very special. For details of all designers and brands at CREATE, see www.brownthomas.com.
Rashhiiid – a collection of faux fur hats made by Rachel Maguire and her small team in Dublin and worn by Doja Cat, Megan Fox, Ariana Grande, Vanessa Hudgens, Addison Rae and Rosalia, among others – was a big hit at CREATE last year. This year Rachel adds handbags, jackets and full-length coats in seven colourways.
Hot pink faux fur coat, price on request; matching hot pink hat, €230; matching hot pink bag, price on request; all Rashhiiid.
Sarah Caine’s pieces are inspired by antique lace remnants and personal family portraits from the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Her collection embraces the softness and lightness of tulle and lace, combining it with bold silhouettes to create a feeling of powerful femininity.
White Casey lace dress, €750; white Mae lace skirt, €520; both Sarah Caine.
Ejay uses patchwork techniques, mixing and reusing old and new materials to create luxury, low-impact fashion.
Navy gilet, €524; navy kimono skirt, €636; both Ejay Griffin.
Kindred of Ireland by Amy Anderson breathes new life into the tradition of Irish linen with timeless dresses with a contemporary edge.
Cream linen dress with bow detail, €650.
Irish designer Helen Hayes’ Fairisle Flowers collection was inspired by her grandmother’s Fair Isle 1950s knitting patterns. Pieces are handcrafted in folded and manipulated ribbon, double layered and hand-stitched with a knotted embroidery stitch. Silhouettes are simple, so that the tactile nature of the fabrics used can shine.
Navy Fairisle Flowers ribbon skirt with apron ties; white cotton organdie and lawn cotton shirt-tail underskirt (sold as set), €1,885; ribbon top, €725; both Helen Hayes.
Gráinne Maher’s Bláthanna Gloine or Glassy Flowers Collection combines the finest responsibly sourced leather, Swarovski wirework and eye-catching shapes. Gráinne’s millinery is a slow, sustainable craft and her designs have been worn by The Duchess of York, Sophie Anderton and Selena Gomez, among many others.
Pink headpiece, €2,750, Grainne Maher.
The Brown Thomas Designer to Watch bursary prize was awarded to NCAD’s Eve O’Reilly. Eve’s collection, Blue Rinse, features dresses, outerwear and headpieces combining prints, photography, knit, screen-printing and embellishment to create unusual, glamorous pieces that celebrate life and growing older.
Blue Rinse knit dress, price on request; matching hat, price on request; both Eve O’Reilly.
Art direction by Darren Feeney.
Photographed by Andrew Nuding.
Styled by Eva Maguire and Babette Ryan.
Hair by David Cashman.
Make-up by Ruth Brophy.
Set design by Rory Mullen.
Models: Ami Jackson and Emma Rose Higgins, at Not Another Agency.
