My graduate collection, ‘Beneath the Same Cross,’ is an AW27 luxury streetwear collection inspired by Irish funeral traditions and Mexican Day of the Dead celebrations. Through my personal experiences of both cultures, I explored the connections and distinctions between Irish and Mexican approaches to death, mourning and the afterlife. I developed floral prints from ageing and dead flowers to symbolise both mortality and memory, while the colour palette reflects the tones of churches, graveyards and ceremonial offerings.The contrast between the sombre nature of Irish mourning and the vibrant celebrations of Día de Muertos is woven throughout my collection. By combining Charro-inspired silhouettes with traditional menswear tailoring, a dialogue is created between Irish and Mexican influences. I incorporated workwear references through denim jumpsuits and suede denim trousers as a tribute to the strong work ethic associated with both cultures. The inclusion of Ogham embroidery featuring my namesake brand, ‘Rua Rí’, alongside Triskelion-inspired details and floral motifs creates a visual link between Irish mythology and Mexican traditions of commemoration.Crafted from deadstock denim, suede and twill cotton, alongside ethically sourced sheepskin from a local farmer in Querétaro, Mexico, 'Beneath the Same Cross' presents a contemporary and sustainable luxury streetwear wardrobe. Through this collection, I aimed to demonstrate how cultures often share common values despite their apparent differences.
