The National College of Art and Design (NCAD) Graduate Exhibition is one of my favourite Irish Designed Exhibitions of the year. You may remember that we shared all about the Jewellery Exhibition here, well today, I wanted to share all about the Fashion Exhibition. If I am honest it is always the one I look forward to the most, and this year did not disappoint.
One of my top picks of the entire exhibition was the work of Ala Sinkevich from Alla.ie. It was just so visually striking and while I would not be one to wear the pieces in real life, the pieces were creative and visually stunning. Her collection is called Existential Nomad and is based on the nesting dolls principle. Inspired by archetypes of nomadic cultures around the world, timeless garments executed in sustainable materials using heritage techniques reflect on personal multicultural experience and self-discovery. She used sculptural hand-felted coat layered over quilted linen caftan and dress. Certainly, a designer whose career I will be watching closely.
And following that is certainly Roisin Dockry‘s collection called “Gleoiteog”. How could I not love her work when it is inspired by the Galway Hooker Boats! The sails inspired the billowing coat and skirt and have been created in luxurious silks and neoprenes. This was one collection that I actually went back to quite a few times as it really drew my eye. You can see more of her work here.
I was drawn to Daryl O’Dea‘s collection titled ‘In the Land of Green and Blue’ as soon as I came into the room. He uses amazing balsa wood strips to produce a collection of knitwear and structured pieces. The effect is fascinating. And the colour palette that he uses is stunning and so nautical. His inspiration for the green and blue was his childhood memories of Howth Harbour. You can see more of his work here.
Aleksandra Satala‘s collection ‘Haft’ is one of the first that you see when you walk into the exhibition and it is beautiful. Her collection is inspired by traditional Polish clothing and she makes amazing use of lasered cut embroidery and then layered it over a satin cement pleated skirt with gathered tulle petticoat for her main piece and the effect was dramatic. I love when designers focus on the small details and the laser cut work is just stunning. You can see more of her work here.
When I saw the sleeve detailing on Jordan Hannon‘s work, I knew that I was going to love the collection. The collection is called ‘What can you do when you live in a shoe? , and is a reflection on his social experience growing up in the Liberties. Particularly rooted in the dress of the teenage boy, brought to light through vibrant colours inspired by flamboyant trainers. I loved the colour contrast in his work and his main piece was just wonderful. You can see more of his work here.
That is not to say that the rest of the exhibition was not amazing, as it truly was. I was so excited to see the level of talent that was on show. It really makes you feel so positive about the future of Irish Designer when you see what this generation is creating.
The NCAD Graduate Exhibition is open to the public and runs until Sunday 17th June 2018. There is free entry and the exhibitions are held across their main campus and also The Annex. You can read the full details here.
