FASHION STUDENTS, their friends and families turned out in force in Limerick yesterday for the Limerick School of Art and Design’s annual Graduate Fashion Show.
It was held for the first time in the school’s handsome new gallery, the refurbished 19th-century Good Shepherd chapel on Clare Street.
A record 31 fashion students are graduating this summer from a course that continues to rise in popularity and status; there are 600 applications for 150 places on the foundation year, a number that includes five architects.
Student inspiration, from geishas and femmes fatales to Francis Bacon and Florence and the Machine was as diverse as their international work placements in London, Tokyo, Helsinki, New York, Antwerp, Paris and elsewhere.
Most will emigrate this year while three have already secured jobs abroad. “It’s no different to any other year,” said Ann Melinn, head of fashion. “Our industry has been so fickle. Placements [abroad] get them a foot in the door of the industry in cities like New York.”
In an impressive show in which creativity and artful, detailed handwork showed in the mix of structured and soft silhouettes, there were some standout presentations from students such as Sara Melody whose airy dresses and bold drapery won her the AIB €2,500 bursary; last year’s recipient, Ruth Duignan, debuted a very beautiful all-white collection during the show.
Other prizewinners were Anne Marie Neligan for her creative use of fabric and Ina Marie Igoe who was selected for the Miriam Mone award, presented by the late designer’s husband, Willie Healy.
Conceptual ideas were skilfully realised in other collections notably those of Katie Walsh, Siobhan Delaney and Orlaith Carroll who played with ruching, pleating and folding in alluring ways.
Memorable images were of Diane Kilbane’s graphic black and white basketweave jackets, Catriona McCarthy’s layered keyboard pleats, Tara Quinn’s Avatar collection and Jean Byrne’s handcut leather tunics.
Julie O Connell and Catríona Nolan’s collections were full of girly brio and colour while Sarah Prendergast’s starstruck gold and feathered capes had rock-star energy. In all, a talented year, full of future promise.