WEARINGIRISH showcases top designers/brands from Ireland. In this series, meet the designers and hear their stories. Here Margaret chats with Niki Collier. Visit designireland.ie for more!
TELL US ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND. Niki Collier is a genuine story of modern Ireland. Twenty years ago, I arrived from Bulgaria to complete a doctorate. Today, my handmade designs and art pieces have been appreciated as part of the Irish creative movement. WHAT WAS THE MOST DEFINING MOMENT OF YOUR CAREER? There have been many defining moments in my career including being the first Irish felt designer to be sold at the British Museum Shop and the first felt designer to be sold in Kilkenny Design. WHAT’S YOUR AMBITION FOR YOUR BRAND? To collaborate with film, music and fashion houses, while keeping my boutique stockists and developing the workshop as a destination for curious folk looking to enjoy a unique studio experience. HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE THE HEART AND SOUL OF YOUR BRAND? A yearning to tell authentic stories through products that capture my passion for heritage, materials and origin—such as my Wild accessory range, the first truly Irish felt tweed.
WHERE DOES YOUR BRAND NAME COME FROM? My name. I am a small studio with occasional support for exhibitions and big orders who was never interested in having any notions. WHO IS YOUR DREAM MUSE? WHY? Katniss Everdeen the Mockingjay. She’s a character with a purpose and a voice, who never fails to be both human and hero—even when faced with adversity. YOUR DREAM COLLABORATION? I would love to make a hugging scarf for Oprah—the woman known for giving best hugs—and also be on the list of go-to craftspeople for director Peter Jackson. WHAT INSPIRES YOU ABOUT THE WEARINGIRISH MOVEMENT? WearingIrish showcases our work with grace and love and inspires designers to create authentic pieces with strong stories. WHO DO YOU WANT TO WEAR IRISH? The list is long! Stephen Colbert’s wife, Evelyn McGee-Colbert and all of the Emmas: Stone, Watson and Thompson. Also, Christy Turlington, Rhianna, Meghan Markle, and Michelle Obama. TAKE US THROUGH YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS? My process is simple. It starts with something that I see as a problem, and I look for ways to solve it. This need transpires into a collection that people wear or in sculptural pieces that I share with folk with a passion for visual interpretation of our world. Initially, I start with complex ideas and an array of materials. During the process, I learn and simplify the concept and the elements so that the message is powerful, and the piece is elegant and sophisticated. HOW DOES A SENSE OF PLACE INFORM YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS— SPECIFICALLY IRELAND? The Irish culture, community and textile heritage have made me who I am today. I collaborate with local sheep and alpaca farms, developing pieces that are truly Irish. Ireland informs everything—from my first truly Irish felt, to my interpretation of an Aran sweater. MOST COVETED ITEM IN YOUR COLLECTION? Coats and hats. THREE THINGS YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT? Hope, my family and textiles. YOUR GO-TO STYLING TRICK? Layering because it allows you to hide and emphasize different areas of the body. For example, a piece of luxury textile could be used as a coat, wrap, dress, top, trousers, skirt, or scarf. TELL US ONE THING ABOUT YOURSELF THAT PEOPLE SHOULD KNOW THAT I DIDN’T ASK. I work with one hand as I have nerve damage from birth, which has influenced all my designs and narratives. All my pieces are easy to put on, and they are very playful, yielding to the transformation of function and interpretation of purpose, but never making you faff around. Textile is my voice and identity—it enables me to connect with people around the world.