Institution
ATU Donegal
Medium
Fashion
Graduation Year
Class of 2026
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I am Declan Kerrigan a fashion designer from Donegal whose work is driven by storytelling, heritage, and craftsmanship. I enjoy developing collections from a strong narrative foundation, drawing inspiration from personal experiences, Irish culture, folklore, landscapes, and historical references. Through research and experimentation, I translate these influences into garments that balance sculptural structure with fluidity, often incorporating tailoring, corsetry, sheer fabrics, and textile manipulation. My most recent collection, Whispers Between Worlds, explores themes of memory, ritual, and transformation. Inspired by the journeys within my family’s life, the collection reflects the space between land, spirit, haunting, and divinity. Drawing from the atmosphere of Brownhall Estate in County Donegal, Irish folklore, and organic landscapes, I created garments that explore the relationship between presence and absence, strength and vulnerability, the physical and spiritual worlds. Irish textiles play an important role within my practice, particularly linen and tweed, allowing me to connect contemporary fashion with traditional craftsmanship. Sustainability is also central to my approach through thoughtful material selection and a focus on creating garments with longevity. Ultimately, I see fashion as a form of storytelling, creating pieces that encourage a deeper connection between the wearer, the narrative, and the world that inspired them.
