Young Irish designers let their clothes do the talking at Scéal
New design talent gets chance to shine at Kilkenny Shop
CLOTHES can reveal many messages: about the wearer, heritage, a spirit of our time. And over at the Kilkenny Shop, five young designers have poured their stories and creativity into Scéal, a collection of indigenous talent currently showcased at the store.
‘The whole process has been exciting and nurturing, more than I could ever ask for as a new designer,’ says Eoin Dillon, one of the talented designers handpicked by Kilkenny Shop and the Design and Arts Council to exhibit his work.
The exhibition, now in its second year, has created a buzz around Irish design with a focus on fashion, accessories and knitwear from a combined repertoire of emerging and established names such as knitwear designer Pearl Reddington, quirky print design duo Jill and Gill, milliner Jennifer Kelly, Korean-born Irish-based designer Sookyoung Song and Dublin native Eoin Dillon of Reuben Avenue.
Dillon, who cut his teeth in London and New York consulting and running campaigns for big international brands, now designs his own capsule collection of luxe shirts, kimonos, robes and trousers using biodegradable fabrics all aimed at ‘ nomads’ like himself.
Flanking him are friends Jill and Gill whose signature cult T-shirts and jumpers have won Irish hearts for their eclectic logos and illustrations — all hand printed and produced in organic cotton from their Dublin studio.
‘It’s bold, graphic and obsessive in its aesthetic with slight references to Japanese art,’ Jill says of their latest collection.
Alongside the girls is Sookyoung Song whose sharply-tailored feminine dresses whisper art deco, while Pearl Reddington’s contemporary take on Aran knitwear is the stuff of sartorial dreams.
‘It’s a massive boost to my young brand,’ Pearl says.
‘I’m honoured to be given this opportunity’. ÷ Scéal at Kilkenny, until September 30. See kilkennyshop.com