Image Credits
Model: Lisa Reilly
Photographer: Johnny McMillan
- For someone who doesn’t know your designs, how would you describe your vision
and aesthetic?
I would describe my aesthetic as casual but sophisticated, I like simple design with something beautiful and special about it. My most recent collection was more about experimentation and trying something new and more avant-garde, but in my more marketable pieces I love the effortlessly chic look.
- What do you want a person to feel when they wear or view your designs?
A lot of my work is based on life experiences and emotions. I would really love for the pieces to be thought provoking for the viewer, and for my wearers to feel comfortable and confident.
- Do you have any favourite labels or fashion designers?
I have absolutely adored Alexander McQueen ever since I got interested in fashion; everything the label does is tailored and styled to perfection. Lately I’ve also been loving Vivian Chan, as her label embodies my ‘simple but special’ aesthetic.
- Would you describe your creative process as sporadic or methodical?
Definitely methodical. In school I was both creative and academic so I have always approached creative tasks in the same way I would approach a maths problem. But sometimes I’ve found the design process does benefit from a touch of spontaneity.
- Describe the inspiration behind your most recent collection Gate 49: Now Boarding
Gate 49: Now Boarding is a womenswear collection inspired by childhood and familial memories of growing up in a sectarian environment in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Through researching my grandparent’s occupations during The Troubles and exploring my own past experiences and the emotions that accompanied them, the collection attempts to visually capture the dominant feelings I encountered.
- Do you have a favourite piece from this collection?
My favourite would have to be the third and final look of the collection; it was a laser etched wool and buckram panelled dress with one of my hand dyed jumpers underneath.
- What were the biggest challenges you faced while completing your collection?
Time would have been the biggest challenge. I ended up incorporating a lot of time intensive techniques into the collection which was difficult with such a tight deadline, but everything worked out in the end and came together really well.
- Do you have a standout memory or experience from your time in the fashion world
thus far?
It would have to be getting into the final for DublinTown’s Young Designer of the Year. My third and favourite look made it into the Top Ten and it was the first time seeing any of my pieces on a live runway.
- If you could change one thing about the fashion industry what would it be?
I think we could all be kinder to each other; fashion on an international scale has a very competitive and cut throat reputation, and even within larger labels things can get intense. I was fortunate enough to be part of a graduating class who were in no way competitive and we all became very close and supportive friends, which made the challenge that is final year fashion much more enjoyable. I think that could be learned from.
- What current projects are you working on or what’s next on your agenda as a
designer?
I’m currently producing my Spring/Summer 2019 collection, set to launch in March 2019, which is going to be very different from my last collection and a lot more true to my design vision.
- What do you look forward to most about embarking on your fashion career?
I’m just excited to see where things go. Fashion is one of those career paths that you can’t really predict; there’s no one way to do things, so I’m just excited to see what the future holds.
- Where can we find more of your work? (social media handles, website etc)
You can find me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @wearbyser and on my website wearbyser.com
