Journalist Victoria G.L. Brunton sits down with Irish designer Twiggy Moore to talk fashion, inspiration and emigration.
One might imagine that, as a designer, being papped by Vogue, debuting at New York Fashion Week, and designing your own (insanely beautiful) wedding dress for an ultra chic backyard ceremony, would mean that you've hit your peak.
But when you’re Twiggy Moore, the highs just keep coming.
Whilst in the Big Apple, I couldn't resist reaching out to the homegrown talent to catch up on all things fashion, inspiration and emigration.
A far edgier, far quirkier, and far cooler version of Carrie Bradshaw, I can confirm, she has always been THAT girl.
1. What are your earliest memories of fashion?
Dressing up was a religion in my house growing up. My sister, Truly, and I would put on performances after dinners for my parents and their friends. Truly was a master of creating characters. That treasure chest held the secrets of the world. It wasn’t like any other dress up box, it had my Nana’s vintage scarves, tutus, sequins and slips. It was then I knew there was a diva inside, both in myself and my sister.
That grew into trying to make my own clothes, chopping up anything I could get my hands on. My poor mum didn’t know what she had on her plate.
2. Tell us a little about the road you’ve taken to end up here.
The genesis of my design story was through my up-cycling projects and using my friends as my models. I would sell my pieces when festivals would come around, I kind of knew from there that this was something I wanted to pursue as a career.
I dreamed of going to art college but for other reasons; I loved video art and sculpting, but my heart was always in it for the fashion.
Obviously, I am still learning and making lots of mistakes along the way but every time I feel like I have accomplished a difficult challenge, it makes that 14-year-old inside twirl around and squeal!
4. Who, if anyone, would you consider to be your muse?
Obviously, my mum has always been my muse for fashion. Whatever she touches turns to gold. I mean I have seen fashion trends pop up and my mum was rocking those looks 10-15 years prior. She’s effortlessly cool and knows what she likes.
As well as mum, I would have to say my hero: Lady Gaga. She will forever be my inspiration. I learned a lot from her as a young girl; how to conceal your insecurities with dressing loud and bold - eventually that becomes your reality.
5. What designer, era of design, or aesthetic do you find most influential?
I could write a novel from Mary Quant to Vivienne Westwood, for their charismatic personalities that shine through their designs. Vivienne, for her forward-thinking approach shows how much passion she has for her concepts. I always design with intention with my pieces.
6. What made you decide to move to NYC?
I was born here, and I always had the dream to be that "American girl". Unfortunately, under the circumstances due to Covid arriving in Ireland, myself and my now-husband decided to emigrate so we could live together and fulfil our creative goals.
I still would love to live in Ireland, but for now New York has treated us well and given us a chance at working and living amongst the other creatives trying to make it here.
7. Do you think there are opportunities in Ireland for young fashion creatives?
Yes, absolutely! It comes from within and who you surround yourself with. Ireland has an abundance of opportunities and it’s only becoming bigger and more accessible. I see my fellow designers killing it in Dublin and all over, I am so proud to see them flourishing.
8. Tell us about your New York Fashion Week debut.
I feel like I almost blacked out because there were so many emotions! The day ran pretty smoothly because we had such good communication between all four of us on the team.
My beautiful friends, who I met in my first job over here, were the ones that made it all happen. Jeremy and Maddie were the backbone of organising the runway show, with castings, running orders and styling the chaos we had created.
Sean, who was so important for curating the after party, with booking DJs that fit the mood of the show, also bringing the energy and excitement from the show right into the night in the same event space we had the runway in.
9. Have you encountered any challenges in emigrating?
With every story of emigrating there’s highs and lows. I miss my home and I often am homesick for my family and friends. But I feel so grateful to be able to keep myself afloat in one of the most hustling and bustling cities in the world. I now feel this is home away from home.
10. Do you have anything exciting coming up on the horizon for us to look out for?
September was a huge learning curve, you never what is on the cards for February…
