Designer Crush; Alice Halliday

Alice Halliday, studied Art and Design at Warwickshire College, Leamington Spa, England. In May 2007, graduated from the BTEC Diploma with a distinction and Student of the Year award. Graduated from the University for the Creative Arts Epsom, Surrey, England in June 2010 with a 2:1 (1st off a first) BA (Hons) Fashion Design. Graduate Collection 'Soul Salvation' shown at GFW- Graduate Fashion Week on 6th June 2010. The cape from her graduate collection was taken on tour by Florence + the Machine's front woman, Florence Welch as part of her stage wardrobe for her tour of Australia and the US in Summer/Autumn 2010. Press release of the story was featured on Vogue.com, and in many newspapers and online articles and blogs. Alice's creations have appeared in the editorials of fashion magazines; Stellar, NONE, Vixen and Ballad Of. She was awarded 'Cork Fashion Week Designer of The Year 2011' creates unique, hand-made fashion and accessories, using a majority of recycled materials.

”My childhood and the environment in which I grew up strongly influence my work, West Cork is a very magical, Holy place I think. Nature is a huge inspiration to me, I believe we need to take action to look after the environment- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!” - Halliday

An Alice Halliday Fashio Film by Aoise Tutty 92circles.com/

'A wake' :: Alice Halliday Fashion Film from Aoise Tutty on Vimeo.


“Stuck in time since the owner had departed this world, all was still in the old house and adjoining shop... until something started to stir. Slowly they opened their eyes and with slight hesitation, cautiously came up on to their feet: they looked around, but all was dark, draped in dust and curtains of cobweb. As the light started to brighten, a land of wonder appeared before them... and with a mixture of curiosity and uncertainty the three dolls started to explore.”

Blau x

Images Miki Barlok, Vogue.com

Designer Crush; Mia O'Connell

 Let me introduce to you my favourite new designer on the Irish fashion scene. Mia O'Connell; graduate from The Limerick School of Art and Design in Fashion Design Mia has undertaken work experience with greats such as John Rocha, Marios Schwab, The Times London, British Vogue and Sakina M'Sa Paris. Her collections are infused with soft pieces of strong and dominant form. These clothes create soft silhouettes with a strong technical base that afford their wearer an elegant yet urban charm. Her pieces are "designed for a woman with a love for the fashion forward, who chooses to be feminine yet with an edge."

Blau von T meets Mia O'Connell.

Do you think your own personal style reflects your designs?

 Yes, I dress in a simplified version of the way I design. It is feminine but with a contemporary avant garde essence. When designing I am very aware of the figure inside the piece and the way women like to feel in clothes, I combine this with perhaps a draped element or an oversized detail to create contrast.

What would you do if you were not in the fashion industry?

If I was not involved in fashion I think I would be involved in graphic design. I have always loved putting together presentations, composition and taking photographs. I am currently doing a Photoshop and illustrator course and I hope to be able to do all my own catalogues in the future. It is another part of my work that I really love.

Currently selling in Ireland; Elaine Curtis Carlow, The Design Centre, Powerscourt Townhouse, Dublin.
Online at http://www.etsy.com/shop/miaoconnelldesign

Blau x