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All Images courtesy of Katie Ann McGuigan
“This focus on the traditions, craft and the culture of her homeland is at the heart of the brand.”
When we hear of the term 'locally sourced' it often conjures thoughts of delicious farm to table dishes. Still, on this occasion, it's a clothes designer who's crafting her work by environmental means. Katie Ann McGuigan’s luxury label has sought to gather a local team from sewing technicians to pattern makers and shoe factories to work with textiles and yarns from the British Isles.
The London-based designer likes to draw from her diverse, multicultural community, exploring how the environment and cultural factors form a union of heritages' whose varied aesthetics can lead to striking, unique and expressive design. This focus on the traditions, craft and the culture of her homeland is at the heart of the brand.
Born in Ireland, she hails from a family who have explored and embraced other cultures; her parents resided and worked in Denmark building artisan furniture until returning to Ireland in 1979. The considered design ethic runs deep. For her latest collection, it seems poignant that the designer glanced inward, reflecting on her family history, towards those areas of life that provide stability, purpose and comfort
“As always, McGuigan’s collections skillfully meld contemporary aesthetics with heritage values.”
The works of Irish photographer Tom Wood lent further inspiration with his portrayal of every-day scenes in the North of England in the late '70s. The furnishings of the period echo in the prints of McGuigan's SS21 collection.
Aside from the signature hand-dyed casual lux were cosy knits in peppermint with pink chevron details in relaxed silhouettes, perfect for days out or work-from-home wardrobes. Crepe de Chine and organza digital print dresses and patterned mules added a contemporary twist to the vintage prints so reminiscent of 70's interiors. We love the hand-painted leather jackets and trenches.
As always, McGuigan's collections skillfully meld contemporary aesthetics with heritage values, craftsmanship and design. And when all around us is erratic, there's something so settling about pulling on those flowing, cosy fabrics with their hint of nostalgia. Their fusion of modernity and history keeps us present yet centred. As Katie knows, the past can teach us much; it's what we do with that knowledge and those principles that count.
See more of Kate Ann McGuigan’s work and shop her collections here.
