Create has returned for its sixth year at Brown Thomas, celebrating the best and brightest of emerging Irish design talent.
The installation, which features the work of 19 cutting-edge designers across clothing, accessories, millinery and jewellery, can be seen for the next six weeks in the Brown Thomas Level 1 designer rooms.
We headed to the launch to chat to some of the up-and-coming and established designers showcasing their work at Create.
Belfast-based knitwear designer Fintan Mullholland specialises in modern, sculptural knitwear pieces and said he fully embraced the opportunity offered by Create. He said: "It's such a great opportunity, I didn't think I could get to this point but it's just about persevering and really staying focused and enjoying what you love and doing what you love. The standard is unbelievably high and to be produced in Ireland is a real key selling point."
Fintan Mullholland with a model showcasing one of his designs
Leather accessories designer Úna Burke has made waves in the fashion industry since setting up her eponymous label in 2010, and her designs have been worn by a number of A-list stars such as Lady Gaga and Rihanna.
She said of this year's Create showcase: "It's a really nice support from an established retailer in Ireland to recognise Irish design and the quality, because there really is incredible quality. You are put side by side with very established designers and it makes you realise what you're in for and what you need to do to make it work."
NCAD graduate Aideen Gaynor, who was chosen by Shelly Corkery in the 'Designer to Watch' competition, particularly impressed with her beautifully unique and dynamic pieces.
The young designer told us that she thinks the fashion industry in Ireland is heading in the right direction, and said the recent Brexit vote may encourage designers to remain in the country. She said "With Brexit it might encourage a lot of Irish designers to stay here and do something for Irish design. There's a lot happening in the last two years, there's a lot of creative minds getting together on projects. That's what we need to do, keeping pushing it and create something here rather than going abroad."
The other designers taking part in Create 2016 are newcomers Mary Gregory, Teatum Jones, Sarah O'Neill, Wild Cocoon, Kinsale Leather, Tory Long, Mia Parsons Design, Helena Malone, Elaine Madigan and Mariad Whisker, Sandra Plantos and returning designers Giovanna Borza, Jill De Burca, Davina Lynch, Margaret O’Connor and Richard Malone.
Some of the cutting edge designs that are part of Create 2016
This year, the key theme of the design showcase is sustainability, from the origin of the materials used and the supply chain in the collections, right through to the instore installation which has been made from polycarbonate materials.
Shelly Corkery, Fashion Director of the Brown Thomas Group, said: "We are passionate about promoting Irish design at Brown Thomas and discovering new and innovative designers is so exciting.
"Create is the first to find the most exciting and newest talent and showcase the best emerging designers. Gaining commercial experience is vital and we are proud to support home grown talent with an invaluable retail platform and to help keep the Irish fashion industry moving forward."
Milliner Margaret O'Connor with model January wearing Margaret's headpiece
