Background: Sligo-born designer who studied commercial art and graphic design in Paris before undertaking extensive travel through Africa and Asia. Her collections have graced the campaigns of designers Yohji Yammamoto, Jean Castel-Bajac and Liberty's 2000 fashion campaign and are currently available through retail outlets in New York, Paris, London, Madrid and Japan

Inspired by: A wide spectrum of exotic eastern and African influences with a strong emphasis on texture and colour.

Designs: Diverse modern pieces using leathers, suedes, futuristic polyroplylene strapping, crystal sequins, snakeskin and diamante.

Available: from The DesignYard, Costume and Cuan Hanly, Dublin. Private commissions at tel: 01 6678178 or www.melissacurry design.com.