WEARINGIRISH showcases top designers/brands from Ireland. In this series, meet the designers and hear their stories. Here Margaret chats with Helen Hayes. Visit helenhayesclothing for more!
TELL US ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND. I originally studied graphic design at the Limerick School of Art and Design. After my daughter started school, I went back and studied fashion design at the Grafton Academy. Since graduating, I have begun building up my brand. WHAT WAS THE MOST DEFINING MOMENT OF YOUR CAREER? Being one of the designers selected to participate in ‘Create,’ a showcase of Irish design organized each year by Brown Thomas Dublin, one of Ireland’s premier stores. WHAT’S YOUR AMBITION FOR YOUR BRAND? I want to build a brand reputation for pieces that are crisp and contemporary with very well considered design details.
HOW YOU WOULD DEFINE THE HEART AND SOUL OF YOUR BRAND? I want to combine my background as a graphic designer and my love of exquisite packaging with my love of textiles to create pieces that are tactile with hand-crafted details in a very contemporary, sculptural way. WHO IS YOUR DREAM MUSE? WHY? There is more than one, and it is the mind-set of each, and many others, that I find the most inspiring. The first time I saw a piece by Madame Grès, I was blown away. Likewise, the pleated garments by Sybil Connolly. They both took an idea, explored it, and developed it, and truly made it their own. It is this sense of determination and individuality I admire. YOUR DREAM COLLABORATION? I love the work of Joseph Walsh who makes wonderful pieces in wood. WHAT INSPIRES YOU ABOUT THE WEARINGIRISH MOVEMENT? We have an ancient heritage of craft and textiles in Ireland, which allows us to stand apart internationally. This heritage fits perfectly with the slow fashion movement that has emerged. WHO DO YOU WANT TO WEAR IRISH? Women who value our rich heritage and contemporary design. TAKE US THROUGH YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS. This varies depending on the project. I like to start on a small scale and develop an idea with paper. I do a lot of work on half-size dummies exploring shape and silhouette. I spend a lot of time sourcing fabric and developing textures, tweaking as I progress until it all comes together. HOW DOES A SENSE OF PLACE INFORM YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS— SPECIFICALLY IRELAND? I grew up on a farm in the middle of Ireland, surrounded by a wonderful culture of weaving and knitting. Most people consider my work to be quite urban, but to me, it all stems from nature and a love of native crafts. WHAT DOES BEING IRISH MEAN TO YOU AND IN WHAT WAY HAS IT INFLUENCED YOUR CREATIONS? It means rich colours, woven fabrics, dramatic scenery, and architectural innovation. It is an exciting time to be Irish when individuality is embraced and encouraged. MOST COVETED ITEM IN YOUR COLLECTION? My red satin ‘squares’ skirt. This was my first ‘squares’ piece made from over 225 individual squares that are I hand-cut, hand-folded, and hand-sewn together. THREE THINGS YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT? Books, coffee, and my daily walk. YOUR GO-TO STYLING TRICK? A beautiful white shirt is perfect for any occasion.