Institution
Limerick School of Art and Design (LSAD)
Medium
Fashion
Graduation Year
Class of 2026
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my graduate collection is deeply inspired by my grandaunt Winnie, a nun in Galway who also served as the convent’s housekeeper. Her life was defined by a quiet balance between devotion and domesticity, and this duality forms the foundation of my designs. My grandaunt Winifred, known to us as Winnie, was born in 1928 and passed away in 2004. She entered the Presentation Convent in Shantalla, Galway at the age of 17 and was given the name Sr Veronica. She later retired to the Presentation Convent in Tuam, where I have many happy memories of visiting her as a child. Through my own gestural ink drawings on organdy I explored the rhythm of her daily duties—cleaning, mending, and caring for the space around her—alongside her personal hobbies of sewing and embroidery, which offered moments of creativity and individuality within a structured life. Natural fabrics such as cotton form the foundation of the garments, reflecting simplicity, humility, and a sense of grounding. In contrast, brocade is introduced as a reference to altar vestments, symbolizing sacredness, and reverence, while elevating the silhouettes with a subtle sense of ceremony. The colour palette is derived from her prayer book, featuring rich browns set against soft ivory tones, punctuated by subtle accents of blue. These colours evoke a sense of humility, devotion, and quiet strength, capturing both the spiritual and personal essence of her life. Collaging Winnie into scenes of domestic work initiated my design process, while toiling played a key role in developing and refining my other looks. Ultimately, this collection is an exploration of quiet strength, devotion, and the poetry found in routine—honouring a life lived with intention and grace.
