My graduate collection is inspired by the rich folklore centered around the Irish coastlines. Historically, fishing has been both a vital industry and a way of life for many, who have a distinct cultural identity that has been shaped by the sea, which in turn has influenced much of Irish folklore and storytelling. These stories often include mythical sea creatures, like the merrow, who are believed to lure fishermen to their deaths, either by tempting them into the sea or dragging them underwater. My collection aims to tell the story of a fisherman being slowly drawn into the water, consumed by the mystique and peril of the ocean, reflecting the journey of the fisherman as he succumbs to the sea’s embrace.

For my design process, I combined the functional aspects of fishermen’s clothing with organic forms of sea life. I researched traditional clothing worn by fishermen, looking at old photographs from early 20th-century Ireland from the Aran Islands and other rural coastal communities. The trench coat is an important piece of outerwear for fishermen and was also an important element of my design process. I sourced a second-hand trench coat and used it to create unique and interesting shapes on the stand and then collaged with these shapes in my sketchbook. I also experimented with rope, a fundamental tool for fishing, layering it over garments and using fishermen’s knots to create texture and enhance the narrative of my collection. The rope serves as a dual symbol: practical, representing the tools of the fishermen’s trade, and metaphysical, symbolizing the sea’s consuming grip. The colour palette for this collection is inspired by the green and blue hues of iridescent mackerel skin.