WEARINGIRISH showcases top designers/brands from Ireland. In this series, meet the designers and hear their stories. Here Margaret chats with Linda Wilson. Visit lindawilsonknitwear.com for more!
TELL US ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND. I graduated from the Limerick School of Art and Design with a BA in fashion and design in 1993. After working in the knitwear industry in Ireland for several years, I established my label in 2000. In addition to managing my business, I also teach the fashion knitwear and textile course in LSAD. WHAT WAS THE MOST DEFINING MOMENT OF YOUR CAREER? I have so many, but one would be arriving in Dublin a couple of years ago and discovering an image of one of my jumpers on a billboard outside the RDS!
WHAT’S YOUR AMBITION FOR YOUR BRAND? To continue to create contemporary knitwear that is inspired by and produced in Ireland but selling worldwide. HOW YOU WOULD DEFINE THE HEART AND SOUL OF YOUR BRAND? Growing up in rural Donegal, I am passionate about the stunning landscape I took for granted as a child. In every collection, I strive to pay homage to the colour and texture that surrounds me every time I go home. YOUR DREAM COLLABORATION? Issey Miyake for his use of technology in his fabrics, and Delpozo for their use of colour and structure. WHAT INSPIRES YOU ABOUT THE WEARINGIRISH MOVEMENT? Ireland has a wealth of designers, and the WearingIrish movement has brought Irish design onto the world platform. WHO DO YOU WANT TO WEAR IRISH? Everyone. TAKE US THROUGH YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS. I love taking photos of anything and everything. My process always starts with these images. Usually, it’s a texture or a pattern that has caught my eye and inspires my process. From these images, I swatch allowing my fabrics and use of colour to lead the direction of the collection. HOW DOES A SENSE OF PLACE INFORM YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS— SPECIFICALLY IRELAND? Inspired by the rich tapestry of our Irish heritage, I strive in my designs to be evocative of the past but with a contemporary step into the future. Through observing what has gone before, as a designer, I endeavor to create garments that celebrate our sense of place and uniqueness. WHAT DOES BEING IRISH MEAN TO YOU AND IN WHAT WAY HAS IT INFLUENCED YOUR CREATIONS? It is fundamental to my business, and I am proud that every piece I create is designed and made in Ireland. MOST COVETED ITEM IN YOUR COLLECTION? My tie blossom scarf. It has been in the collection now for several years, and it continues to grow in demand. THREE THINGS YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT? My camera, color and coffee. YOUR GO-TO STYLING TRICK? Wear what makes you happy! TELL US ONE THING ABOUT YOURSELF THAT PEOPLE SHOULD KNOW THAT I DIDN’T ASK. While I am passionate about knitwear, I sadly am an atrocious hand knitter!!